NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad slams Ajit Pawar group for ‘dictator’ jibe at Sharad Pawar

The ECI is presently hearing the Ajit Pawar group’s claim to the NCP name and symbol after its rebellion on July 2. On the first day of the hearing, Sharad Pawar himself was present at the ECI office.

According to Awhad, the Ajit Pawar group’s counsel said during the hearing that Sharad Pawar used to run his party like a “personal fiefdom” and “never bothered about democratic principles”. The counsel would have only said so after taking directions from the leaders of the Ajit Pawar faction, Awhad said.

Slamming the leaders of the Ajit Pawar group, Awhad said that it was Sharad Pawar who gave them the power and ministerial posts. “If he was such a dictator, why didn’t you leave as a mark of protest against his dictatorial behaviour,” a teary-eyed Awhad said, adding that those who forced Sharad Pawar to the ECI doors need to reflect on their actions.

Awhad also contradicted the claims of the Ajit Pawar faction that the ECI would rule in their favour within a few days. The arguments in the case have just begun, he said. “All sides need to be heard. We have yet not made our arguments. We will start doing it now. Nobody should be in a hurry to reach a conclusion yet,” he added.