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Journalism of Courage
In his first ever election after parting ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar, NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who will be taking on his nephew Yugendra Pawar in his home turf, on Monday filed his nomination from the Baramati assembly constituency following a grand road show.
He also accused Sharad Pawar of creating a rift in the family by fielding a family member against him.
Pawar, who had earlier indicated that he would not contest the assembly election, said he acceded to the demand
made by the party cadre and decided to fight the polls.
Ajit Pawar consecutively won from the Baramati assembly constituency in the seven previously held Assembly elections, a family stronghold that he took over from his uncle Sharad Pawar. He always followed his uncle in politics but parted ways two years ago to take charge of the NCP with the support of a majority legislators.
“I did not want to waste five years so I joined the ruling alliance to ensure development of the state,” said Pawar.
“I am filing my nomination for the Assembly elections from Baramati for the eighth time…In the seventh time that I won, the situation was different and I won with a record margin. This time, I am contesting as a Mahayuti candidate,” said Ajit Pawar after filing his nomination.
Pawar launched his election campaign after seeking blessings at Kanheri temple. He took women voters with him to file the nomination, indicating that the aim of the Mahayuti government is to empower women in the state.
Getting emotional during the launch of his election campaign, Ajit Pawar accused Sharad Pawar of creating a rift in the family by fielding one of the family members against him in his home turf.
Stating that he had made mistakes in the past, the Deputy CM said, “I should not have fielded Sunetra against Supriya… I was upset after the results of the Lok Sabha election, hence I had said I will not contest from Baramati.”
Taking a dig at Sharad Pawar, the NCP leader said, “I made a mistake earlier and I admitted it but who is making a mistake now? I was supposed to fill the nomination form first.”
“We are from the Tatyasaheb Pawar family, we rose from a very humble situation. My mother supported us. It is wrong the way things are going on in the family. Elders should have interfered. My mother was telling not to field a candidate against me but Sharad Pawar still went ahead with the decision. He is the one bringing a rift in the family of Tatyasaheb Pawar,” said Ajit Pawar.
Stating that one should not stoop this low in politics, the Deputy CM said, “It takes generations to maintain unity but not much time to break ties. The family differences should be within the four walls of the house and not to be out in politics. If there’s a gap, no one from outside can fill it. A family progresses when its united.”
Crediting his uncle Sharad Pawar for bringing development in Baramati, Ajit Pawar said he too contributed to the constituency’s development once he was made a legislator.
“It gives me satisfaction to see the change in Baramati compared to what it was 35 years ago. As a Baramati MLA, I tried to bring here what’s best for the constituency. You have supported Sharad Pawar during the Lok Sabha elections as a mark of respect towards him, now you should elect me in the Assembly elections,” said Ajit Pawar.
The NCP chief said he was impressed with the overwhelming response he received during the roadshow and requested citizens to keep supporting him till the voting day.
