On Ajit Pawar joining BJP, Sanjay Raut cites Fevicol bond

While speculation is rife that the NCP's , Ajit Pawar may join the BJP, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut has played down the issue.

Raut went on to say that Ajit Pawar will not become a slave of the BJP. " I don't think he will do such things and go with them," Raut told reporters.

"Ajit Pawar is a senior leader the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). His political future is bright. There is nothing to worry about," Raut also said.

He also said that NCP supremo Sharad Pawar is a guardian to them.

"Sharad Pawar is a guardian and we are with them. Yesterday Uddhav Thackeray and I had discussions with Pawar (senior). Our connection is like Fevicol and none can separate that," he also said.

Ajit Pawar is Sharad Pawar's nephew and one of the main members of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which comprised Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), Congress and NCP. The alliance was in power before Eknath Shinde walked out and formed the government with the BJP.

Talks of Ajit Pawar joining the BJP gained pace after he criticised, Nana Paatole, the Maharashtra Congress chief.

"Many a times Patole says things that led to differences in the Maha Vikas Aghadi. If he has any objection, instead of going to the media, he should raise it with the NCP leader Jayant Patil," Ajit Pawar had said.

Parole however hit back and said, "Ajit Pawar seemingly is not aware of the facts. We briefed their state president, Jayant Patil. If he did not tell then it is his fault."

In 2019, Ajit Pawar went against his uncle Sharad Pawar and forged an alliance with the BJP. The government however lasted just 80 hours. Pawar was then sworn in as deputy chief minister, while Devendra Fadnavis became chief minister.

While speculations continue to grow, many of Pawar's supporters feel that he will remain in the NCP rather than have a diminished role in the BJP.