Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar refuted reports of dissent within his party regarding his wife Sunetra Pawar's nomination for the Rajya Sabha seat. He claimed that false news was being deliberately planted by his opponents and associates. Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal also supported Pawar's statement and stressed that the party's parliamentary board had made the decision to nominate Sunetra Pawar. Ajit Pawar also addressed the blame of the electoral defeat of NCP and Mahayuti, mentioning discontent among onion growers as a contributing factor.
Sunetra Pawar's Rajya Sabha Nomination Sparks Controversy: Ajit Pawar Denies Dissent
Background:
Sunetra Pawar, the wife of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, was nominated as an NCP candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections in March 2023. However, the move raised eyebrows and faced allegations of nepotism within the party.
Reports of Dissent:
Reports surfaced that some NCP leaders were unhappy with Sunetra Pawar's nomination, claiming that she lacked political experience and that the seat should have gone to a more qualified candidate. These reports fueled speculation of dissent within the party.
Ajit Pawar's Denial:
Ajit Pawar swiftly denied these reports, labeling them as "false news" planted by opponents and associates. He emphasized that the decision to nominate Sunetra Pawar was made by the party's parliamentary board and that there was no dissent within the party.
Support from NCP Leaders:
Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal echoed Pawar's statement, reiterating that the party had made a collective decision to field Sunetra Pawar for the Rajya Sabha. He dismissed the allegations of discontent as politically motivated.
Causes of NCP's Electoral Defeat:
Ajit Pawar also addressed the blame placed on the NCP and Mahayuti alliance for their defeat in the recent elections. He acknowledged discontent among onion growers as a contributing factor, stating that the government had not adequately addressed their concerns.
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