Why Does Ajit Pawar Stand by His Alliance with NDA?

Pune, June 10 (NationPress) The president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, passionately defended the decision to align with the BJP-led MahaYuti in Maharashtra and the NDA at the national level during a rally. He stated: “Being in opposition and merely shouting slogans achieves nothing. We are not saints; we are problem-solvers who engage in practical politics. This is why we chose to join forces with the BJP and the NDA.”

He emphasized, however, that “the NCP is rooted in the ideologies of Shiv, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, and there will be no compromises regarding this.”

Ajit Pawar made these remarks during a rally marking the 26th anniversary of the party's foundation. Notably, he refrained from addressing the merger between the two NCP factions or any alliance with the faction led by Sharad Pawar. Instead, he suggested that the NCP would remain a part of the BJP-led MahaYuti in Maharashtra and the NDA at the national level.

“The Nationalist Congress Party stands firm on the principles of Shiv, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar. When questioned about our alliance with the BJP, I remind them that in 2019, our party formed a government alongside the Shiv Sena, necessitating certain compromises for power,” stated Ajit Pawar.

He reiterated, “Any compromise with our ideology would undermine the party’s foundation. This struggle is fundamentally about ideology and will be conducted with unwavering adherence to our beliefs.”

He also mentioned other leaders, stating, “N. Chandrababu Naidu, known for his secular views, has joined the BJP, just as Mamata Banerjee and Lalu Prasad Yadav did at different times. Our priority is the development of the state. The Centre's decision to conduct a caste-wise census is crucial for understanding community demographics, which directly impacts funding allocations.”

Reflecting on the party's history, Ajit Pawar recalled, “On June 10, 1999, Sharad Pawar and other prominent figures established the Nationalist Congress Party, which has since remained steadfast. Although we have never achieved a majority, we have consistently played a role in governance due to the evolving political landscape, making alliances like UPA or NDA necessary.”

He also addressed concerns regarding funding for the Social Justice Department, asserting that “38% more funds have been allocated to it compared to last year.”

Additionally, he noted, “This year's budget has seen a 41% increase in funds for the Tribal Welfare Department, although this information has not been widely publicized.”

Ajit Pawar defended the launch of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, stating it was initiated in response to the recent poor performance of the MahaYuti in the Lok Sabha elections, where the NCP secured just one seat.

“During my travels across the state, I emphasize that while many things can be accomplished, the availability of funds is crucial. We must make decisions to enhance the state’s income, despite some claims that I am withholding funds,” he concluded.