'Not In His Lifetime...': Sanjay Raut Rubbishes Reports of Ajit's Cabinet Berth 'Offer' to Sharad Pawar

Maharashtra Politics: Amid the speculation of something brewing in the two factions of Nationalist Congress Party president (NCP) following reports of a ‘secret’ meeting between Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit, Uddhav Balasaheb Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday claimed the senior Pawar will not join hands with the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) in his lifetime.

“I don’t think Sharad Pawar will join hands with the BJP till the time he lives. He is rebuilding his party,” Raut said.

A meeting between the Pawars at the residence of a businessman in Pune on Saturday has created a buzz in political circles that Ajit Pawar has offered his uncle and cousin, Supriya Sule, berths in Union Cabinet if they join the BJP-led NDA-alliance in Maharastra.

Sharad Pawar’s party is an ally of the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress in Maharashtra.

Asked whether Ajit Pawar gave any offer to Sharad Pawar during the meeting, Raut said, “When did Ajit Pawar become so big to give an offer to Sharad Pawar.” “It is Sharad Pawar who made Ajit Pawar. Sharad Pawar has been the chief minister of the state for four terms and served as the Union minister multiple times,” Raut added.

His remarks came days after an editorial in the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ said the frequent meetings between Sharad Pawar and his nephew were tarnishing the image of the NCP founder.

The Marathi daily also said it is amusing that Ajit Pawar is frequently meeting his uncle and the latter is also not avoiding it.

Talking to reporters, Raut also claimed a prime minister of the opposition INDIA alliance will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi next year 2024 and the country is waiting for that “auspicious” moment.

Earlier, speaking in his hometown Baramati on Tuesday, Sharad Pawar said some people in the party have taken a different path, but “once they realize the situation, their stand may change.”

“Whether they change their stand or not, we will not deviate from the path we have chosen,” he told a gathering.

“I have told Maharashtra (voters) to vote for someone. And now, I can not tell them to vote for someone whom we have opposed all along,” Pawar senior added.