Fadnavis says President’s rule imposed in Maharashtra after 2019 polls on Sharad Pawar’s suggestion

“When President’s rule is enforced, all parties are issued letters and asked if they want to form a government. The letter was typed in my house. As suggested by Sharad Pawar, corrections were incorporated,” Fadnavis said.

“With Sharad Pawar’s approval, Ajit Pawar and I discussed details of cabinet portfolios. At the last minute, Sharad Pawar changed his decision. But Ajit Pawar refused to budge as he believed backtracking would amount to betraying the commitment made to the BJP. So the early-morning swearing-in took place. But then it was short-lived,” he added.

Responding to reporters’ questions on speculations about patch-up talks between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, who is now a deputy chief minister in the coalition government, and any dialogue between Pawar Senior and the BJP, Fadnavis said, “There are no discussions between Sharad Pawar and me. If Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar are in talks, I am not aware of it.”

Fadnavis also dwelled on the split in the NCP. “In July 2023, the Ajit Pawar-led faction approached us to become part of the coalition of the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The BJP’s decision to get a third partner was part of a political strategy to consolidate itself, especially when, despite sharp differences within, the Opposition is trying to forge a front with an anti-Modi agenda,” he said.

While dismissing the differences among the three partners of the ruling coalition, Fadnavis said, “CM Eknath Shinde has given us complete freedom to convene meetings and take decisions. Ultimately, the file has to go to the CM.”

The deputy chief minister dismissed speculations about another change of guard in the state. “Shinde will continue as CM for the full five-year tenure. And elections will be fought under his leadership,” he said.

About the prospects of Ajit Pawar being made chief minister for six months, Fadnavis said, “If Ajit Pawar has to become CM and when it happens, it will be for five years.” “The BJP’s number one party status will not be compromised in the coming polls. It is and will remain the leading party,” the deputy chief minister added.

Commenting on the dispute between the two NCP factions about the party symbol, Fadnavis said, “If anybody reads the Election Commission order in the case of the Shiv Sena carefully, it will provide answers. But as a lawyer, I can say the Ajit Pawar-led faction is on an absolutely strong ground.”

“The Supreme Court has also given wider scope to the speaker to decide who is the original party, the chief whip and related aspects,” he added.