Patole’s backstabber remark ridiculous: Ajit Pawar

State Cong chief claims the NCP broke written agreement among MVA partners for coming to power in Gondia ZP

Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar lashed out at state Congress chief Nana Patole over his allegation that the NCP backstabbed the Congress in Gondia ZP by joining hands with BJP terming it “ridiculous.’’ Pawar wondered whether the BJP, too, should accuse Patole of backstabbing it as he had quit the party to join the Congress in 2018.

He also reminded Patole that Congress and the BJP were sharing power in local bodies in various districts.

Pawar said that while speaking, responsible leaders should ensure that their statements are not misconstrued. He added that in the given situation in the state, the Shiv Sena, the NCP, and the Congress can cross the magic figure of 145 in the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly only if they are together.

He said there could be differences among leaders of the two parties at district levels, and added such issues won't arise if there is coordination among the MVA constituents.

“To give some examples, we all know the Congress had tied up with the BJP at some taluka and district levels in the past. I don't want to give much importance to it. But responsible leaders should take care that their comments are not misconstrued,” Pawar said. He further added that Congress, the NCP, and the Shiv Sena have the right to expand their respective bases.

Meanwhile, Patole stuck to his charge and claimed that the NCP backstabbed the Congress by entering into an alliance with the BJP in Bhandara, Gondia Zps, and panchayat samiti president elections. “By doing so, the NCP has broken the written agreement among the Maha Vikas Aghadi allies just to come to power in these elections. If this is not backstabbing, then what is it?’’ he asked.

Patole reiterated that the Congress high-command will be apprised of the “machinations” of the NCP over the last two-anda-half years. “The Congress party is fighting a battle of ideas and development in the country without worrying about the outcome,” he noted.