‘No Political Rapprochement with Ajit Pawar as Long as He’s Aligned with BJP’: Supriya Sule

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 7th Nov. In an exclusive interview with PTI, NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule expressed her disappointment over the political rift within the NCP and her stance on the ongoing political situation in Maharashtra. Sule made it clear that political rapprochement with her cousin, Ajit Pawar, is not possible as long as he remains aligned with the BJP. She further stated that she would not be aspiring for the Chief Minister’s position if the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is voted into power in the upcoming state elections.

The four-time Lok Sabha member from Baramati emphasized the clarity in the voters’ minds following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the MVA alliance won 30 out of the state’s 48 seats. She expressed confidence that the MVA, comprising the NCP (SP), Congress, and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), would perform better in the November 20 state assembly polls.

Sule addressed the issue of the NCP split, following Ajit Pawar’s decision to join the Eknath Shinde-BJP government, leading to a fracture within the party. “It is hard to say whether the Pawars can reunite politically,” she remarked, adding that as long as Ajit Pawar continues his association with the BJP, a reunion seems unlikely due to their differing ideologies.

On speculations about her being the MVA’s CM face, Sule firmly stated, “I am not contesting elections, and the NCP (SP) has made it clear that we are not in the race for the CM’s post. We have clarity and will go along with whatever our partners decide.”

Sule also expressed her views on the fragmented political landscape in Maharashtra, stating that the confusion had already been resolved in the recent Lok Sabha elections. She pointed out that while the legal battles continue over the manner in which the parties were split, there is no confusion among the voters.

She further clarified the party’s approach to the Lok Sabha elections, denying any strategic plans behind contesting only 10 seats. “Our party is about service, not strategy. We focus on doing good policy work and serving the nation,” she stated.

Regarding the seat-sharing arrangement among MVA allies for the upcoming assembly elections, Sule emphasized the importance of respectful alliance talks. “Alliance talks in a vibrant democracy take time. We made sure we didn’t bulldoze anyone,” she said.

Sule also addressed the ideological battle in Baramati, where her cousin Ajit Pawar faces off against her nephew, Yugendra Pawar. She dismissed it as a fight between the BJP and the opposition alliance, stating, “We are fighting the BJP, so we fight their allies.”

Expressing gratitude to voters for her re-election to the Lok Sabha, Sule expressed hope for a fair assembly poll in Baramati, claiming that people were being threatened by the ruling party but assured her support for them.

On Ajit Pawar’s comment about Baramati voters making him “happy” by electing him, Sule responded, “For me, contesting and winning elections is not for my happiness; it’s for the people’s happiness. My politics is about serving the nation and doing serious policy work.”

Reflecting on emotions at play in Baramati during the elections, she asserted that leaders must not crumble emotionally, despite personal challenges, as their role requires strength and resilience.

Regarding the NCP’s division following her appointment as working president, Sule said she was prepared to debate with anyone, including Ajit Pawar, on how she could be blamed for the party split, reiterating her belief in transparency.

Concluding, Sule expressed confidence that the MVA would receive a clear mandate to form an honest, stable, and progressive government to tackle issues like unemployment, corruption, and inflation. She also mentioned that both the ruling and opposition alliances have decided not to project a CM face, stating that the need for such a decision would depend on the evolving situation.