Ajit Pawar on absence during Amit Shah's visit: Had informed about prior committments

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar/ Pic/X

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar has addressed speculation surrounding his absence during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent visit to Mumbai. Pawar asserted that he had informed Shah's office in advance about his prior commitments, dismissing any conjecture regarding his absence, reported PTI.

According to the report, during Shah's visit, he paid visits to the residences of Chief Minister Ekanth Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seek blessings from Lord Ganesh. He also made an appearance at the renowned Lalbaug cha Raja pandal and delivered the Laxmanrao Inamdar Memorial Lecture at Mumbai University, where he discussed the cooperation movement.

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Pawar clarified the circumstances surrounding his absence, stating, "I was in Baramati on Friday. I have allocated my time for Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune, and Baramati on Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays, respectively. The annual meeting of Baramati Bazar Samiti, Baramati Bank, and Sahyog Grihnirman Sanstha was scheduled in Baramati on Friday. I had already informed Amit Shah's office about this."

Responding to questions about a banner projecting his nephew Rohit Pawar as the next Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar emphasized that such speculation is a "daydream" unless it garners the support of 145 out of 288 MLAs, the report stated PTI.

When asked about a photograph shared by Praful Patel, currently aligned with the Ajit Pawar faction, featuring NCP founder Sharad Pawar, the Deputy CM refrained from commenting, redirecting the focus to development-related matters. Ajit Pawar and eight other MLAs joined the Eknath Shinde-led government on July 2 this year splitting the NCP.

Ajit Pawar also addressed the issue of reservations for members of the Maratha and Dhangar communities, affirming the state government's commitment to finding a solution within the framework of the law while safeguarding the quotas of other communities.

Regarding the status of the Pune Metro route extension, Pawar revealed that the proposal for the Pimpri to Nigdi metro extension has reached Delhi and is awaiting the signature of one concerned minister. He expressed determination to expedite the process during his visit to Delhi, signalling progress towards realizing the metro expansion for residents from Nigdi to Katraj.