Did Sharad Pawar come to BJP in 2019 fearing central agencies? Fadnavis takes a dig at NCP veteran

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sought to know whether NCP chief Sharad Pawar's approach to the BJP in 2019, expressing a willingness to form a government in the state with the party, was motivated by concerns regarding potential investigations by central probe agencies.

Fadnavis' remark comes a day after Pawar criticised the rebel Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by his nephew Ajit Pawar for joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra in July, saying those who have gone with the BJP had nothing to do with the NCP and that they switched sides because of the threat of investigation agencies.

On Wednesday, Fadnavis claimed that Sharad Pawar had shown his willingness to form a government by extending support to the BJP. The NCP supremo, however, refuted the claim. When asked about it on the sidelines of an event, Fadnavis said, I just want to know, did Sharad Pawar come to the BJP in 2019 out of the fear of central probe agencies? Even in 2017, Pawar had discussed the possibility of government formation. He clearly knows why people from his party switched ideas. It is inappropriate to level allegations against your own colleagues after they leave you.

Fadnavis reiterated that the President’s Rule was imposed in Maharashtra in 2019 with the consent of Sharad Pawar.  It was Sharad Pawar who had given consent for the imposition of the President's rule in Maharashtra. That's why the President's rule was imposed in Maharashtra. Whatever I have said is true, he said.

When asked about the possibility of Ajit Pawar becoming the chief minister of Maharashtra, Fadnavis said, Ajit Pawar is a prominent leader, but people should not forget the fact that Eknath Shinde is the current chief minister of Maharashtra. Whoever is in politics always has some aspirations. The upcoming elections will be contested under the leadership of Eknath Shinde.