Jitendra Awhad Responds to Ajit Pawar Faction's Claims: 'Organizational Support is with Sharad Pawar'

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jitendra Awhad dismisses the claims by the Ajits faction about their hold on the legislative wing. According to him, they lack organizational support which stands firmly behind party president Sharada Pawara.

The ongoing power struggle within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in India has taken a new turn as senior party leader Jitendra Awhad publicly questioned the legitimacy of the Ajit Pawar faction's claims to control the legislative wing. This development came to light during a recent press conference where Awhad, in presence of party president Sharad Pawar, asserted that this faction lacks organizational support.

Questioning Factional Claims

Awhad raised doubts over the assertion made by Praful Patel - an important figure from Ajit Pawar's group - who had claimed their faction enjoyed backing from 43 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and six out of nine Members of Legislative Council in Maharashtra. Contrary to Patel’s claim, Awhad insisted, "They keep emphasizing their legislative strength because they have no support in the organization." He further argued that a political party cannot be equated with its legislative wing alone. The NCP leader cited a Supreme Court order on Shiv Sena’s split to back his argument.

Alleged Alliance with BJP-led NDA

Apart from questioning the credibility of Ajit Pawar faction's claim over legislative dominance, Awhad also rejected allegations about NCP aligning itself with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). According to him, extending support to Nagaland government back in March did not mean that NCP had joined hands with BJP-led alliance.

NCP’s Stand Amidst Internal Strife

In spite of internal conflicts threatening its unity, NCP seems determined not to let these differences hamper its functioning or public image. With Sharad Pawar at helm as President, leaders like Jitendra Awhad are striving hard to maintain solidarity within party ranks. Awhad, during the press conference, made it clear that the party organization firmly stands behind Pawar Senior.

In conclusion, while factional claims and counterclaims continue to add fuel to the ongoing power tussle within NCP, leaders like Jitendra Awhad are making concerted efforts to keep organizational unity intact. The future of this political drama would depend on how effectively Sharad Pawar's leadership manages these internal differences and maintains a united front in face of external challenges. As for now, it is evident that despite legislative strength being an important aspect of any political party’s might, organizational support remains a crucial factor in determining its stability and control.