On Friday, the Shiv Sena and the NCP headed by Ajit Pawar, along with one independent member, formed a group to stake claim to rule the Ambernath local body by keeping the BJP away from powe
Vijay Wadettiwar. File Pic
A joint manifesto of the NCP and NCP (SP) meant both factions have effectively come together, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said on Saturday, and referred to speculation about possible induction of NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule in the Central government, reported news agency PTI.
‘Reunion driven by power, not ideology,’ alleges Wadettiwar
However, the “reunion” appeared to be driven by the lure of power rather than ideological convergence or concern for party workers, he alleged.
Wadettiwar was reacting to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president Sule releasing a joint manifesto for the Pune civic polls at a press conference, signalling growing proximity between the two factions after their bitter split in July 2023.
Background of NCP split and EC recognition
Ajit Pawar had revolted against his uncle Sharad Pawar and walked out with loyalist MLAs to join the then Shiv Sena-led government. The group was later recognised as the real NCP by the Election Commission and was allotted the ‘clock’ poll symbol.
The break-up was followed by the NCP and NCP (SP) fielding candidates against each other in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Ideology or power is real question, says Congress leader
Responding to speculation about reunification, the Congress Legislature Party leader said the real question was whether the move was for ideology, party workers, or merely power.
Notably, the NCP and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) have allied for the elections to the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations.
‘If manifestos are together, factions are together’
“If their manifestos have come together, then it can be said they have come together,” Wadettiwar said, reported PTI.
According to him, the potential induction of NCP (SP) leaders Rohit Pawar in the Maharashtra cabinet and Baramati MP Sule in the Union government is being widely discussed.
NCP (SP) part of Maha Vikas Aghadi
The NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) is an ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi.
“Traditionally, the NCP keeps changing its stand because it cannot survive without power. If it remains out of power, the party will collapse,” Wadettiwar alleged, reported PTI.
Congress fighting to protect Constitution, says leader
The Congress, on the other hand, is not fighting for power but for safeguarding the Constitution and democracy under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, he said.
On the political situation in the Ambernath municipal council involving allies Shiv Sena and BJP, Wadettiwar termed it a “sham fight”.
‘Allies quarrel briefly, reunite for power’
“They quarrel today, but will they walk out of power tomorrow? This is all temporary. Later, they will come together again to enjoy the fruits of power,” he said, reported PTI.
After the December 20 local body polls, the local unit of the BJP joined hands with its arch-rival Congress under the banner of ‘Ambernath Vikas Aghadi’ (AVA) to gain power in the municipal council, sidelining ally Shiv Sena.
Congress suspends councillors after backlash
Left red-faced after the unforeseen tie-up, the Congress on Wednesday suspended its 12 councillors and a block president.
On Friday, the Shiv Sena and the NCP headed by Ajit Pawar, along with one independent member, formed a group to stake claim to rule the Ambernath local body by keeping the BJP away from power.
Shinde, Ajit Pawar accused of dividing voters
Wadettiwar alleged that Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were being used to divide Marathi votes and progressive voters, respectively.
“This is aimed at weakening the Thackeray faction and the Congress. Alliances during elections are temporary, but power-sharing happens later,” he claimed, reported PTI.
‘Save BJP from rebels’ jibe
Mocking the BJP amid reports of police being asked to warn rebels, Wadettiwar said, “‘Save the BJP from rebels’ should be the new slogan in Maharashtra.”
“If the police are being asked to issue warnings to BJP rebels, it reflects the BJP’s declining authority. The BJP has lost so much credibility that it has to seek police help to control its own rebels,” he added, reported PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
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