Pune (Maharashtra): Amid strong speculation of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar switching to BJP, his cousin and senior NCP MP Supriya Sule, has hinted at "two big political explosions" in the next 15 days.
"One (explosion) in Delhi and one in Maharashtra," Sule said. Sule, however, was reaching on Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leader Prakash Ambedkar’s comment who had said a couple of days before that there will be two big explosions in the politic of the state in the next 15 days.
However, her father Sharad Pawar, the party chief, brushed off the speculation, stating that Ajit Pawar had not called any meeting and that he was working for the party. Pawar firmly denied any rift with his nephew, stating, "There is no truth in the reports. Ajit Pawar didn't call any meeting. He is working for the party. All this is in your head."
"...There is no importance of all these discussions. The reports have no meaning. I can say about NCP that all our colleagues are of one thinking of how to make the party stronger, and there is no other thought in anybody's mind," the party chief said.
"The party's state president (Jayant Patil) is busy with a local election in his region, and another party leader Ajit Pawar is also busy with the work of the party and providing guidance to everyone," he said. The NCP president said after his programmes in Pune, he will head to Mumbai.
Supriya Sule was asked to clarify her comments on impending "booms," but she responded cryptically, saying, "You know what explosion. I live in reality. If you ask me about today, I can tell you. I don't know what is happening 15 days later." When asked if Ajit Pawar was planning to cross over, she said, "Why don't you ask Ajit dada this? I don't know about this. As a public representative, I have a lot of work. I don't have time to gossip."
The BJP, which reportedly seeks a tie-up to strengthen its numbers in Maharashtra, said it would "welcome" Ajit Pawar if he were to join their party. Meanwhile, speculation has intensified with some MLAs expressing their support for "Ajit dada." NCP MLA Anil Patil, who visited Ajit Pawar's home, told reporters, "I am with Dada." Responding to the BJP buzz, Patil said, "Dada has not asked us about it till now. If he does, then we will speak about it."
It is worth noting that Ajit Pawar has not yet clarified the reports, fuelling further speculation about his intentions. As the political drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether there will be any mass defections or if Ajit Pawar will remain with the NCP.
Speculation about Ajit Pawar's next political move started swirling last week when he suddenly cancelled his scheduled meetings and also made comments which were seen as being soft on the BJP and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp. The BJP is part of the Shinde government.
