'Had I Been Son Of The Senior Leader...': Ajit Takes Veiled Dig At Uncle Sharad Pawar Over 'Control' Of NCP

Addressing a party event in Pune, Ajit Pawar also spoke about the allegations of corruption that were levelled against him over his decision to switch sides and join the Shiv Sena-BJP government.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: In a veiled dig at his uncle and NCP veteran Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that had he been born to the "senior" leader, he would have naturally become the president of the party, and perhaps even exert control over it, news agency PTI reported. However, he said that he shares the same lineage as the party workers, subtly referring to his uncle without explicitly naming him.

“Had I been born to the senior (leader), I would have become party president naturally, in fact, the party would have come under my control. (But) I too was born to your brother,” PTI quoted Ajit Pawar as saying.

Addressing a party event in Pune on Friday, Ajit also spoke about the allegations of corruption that were levelled against him over his decision to switch sides and join the Shiv Sena-BJP government. Refuting any wrongdoing, he highlighted that despite accusations of "stealing" the party founded by Sharad Pawar, both the Election Commission of India and the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker ruled in favour of his faction, affirming their legitimacy within the NCP.

Ajit Pawar also expressed gratitude towards the unwavering support of party workers, acknowledging their loyalty amid familial opposition. He countered accusations that the alliance with the BJP was a ploy to evade inquiries, questioning whether everyone aligned with him was facing similar scrutiny.

"We were slandered. It was said we took this decision (to join hands with the BJP) just to stall the inquiries against us. I want to ask, is everyone (who is with him) facing inquiries,” PTI quoted Ajit as saying.

Reflecting on his own responsibilities as a former state minister, Ajit Pawar asserted that allegations of corruption are inevitable for those actively involved in governance, contrasting them with individuals who never held ministerial positions and therefore remained unblemished, PTI reported.

Ajit Pawar also mentioned Baramati MP Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter, who has not assumed a ministerial role throughout her career, and said that lack of ministerial positions might shield individuals from corruption allegations, PTI reported.

Ajit Pawar lamented the lack of appreciation for his leadership within the party, implying that had he endorsed Sharad Pawar's choice for party president, he would have been commended.