Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is heading the breakaway faction of NCP, on Sunday took a jibe at NCP president Sharad Pawar stating he took a stand at the age of 60 unlike ''some people'', who did it at 38. ''I took a stand at the age of 60 but some people did it at the age of 38. They put Vasantdada Patil in the grey,'' said Ajit Pawar while speaking at an event in Baramati on Sunday. Ajit Pawar was referring to his decision to join hands with Shinde-Fadnavis goverment along with more than 40 MLAs in July this year and Sharad Pawar's decision to break away from the Congress in 1978. At the age of 38 in 1978, Sharad Pawar had split the Congress and formed Progressive Democratic Front in alliance with the Janata Party and Peasants and Workers Party. He toppled the Congress government led by Vasantdada Patil and had then become the Chief Minister. Ajit Pawar claimed he had the support of 43 of the 53 NCP MLAs. "Of the 9 MLCs, six are with me. Two independent MLAs are also with me. Along with seniors like Chhagan Bhujbal and Hasan Mushrif, young MLAs have also joined hands with me,'' he said. Urging the senior Pawar to understand him, Ajit Pawas said,'' Vasantdada Patil, who was leading from the front, was ousted and a Janata Party government was formed. You (Sharad Pawar) took the decision when you were less than 40 years old but I have taken the decision when I am in my sixties. That's why you should try and understand me,.No one works like I do,'' he said. ''For one whole year, discussion was underway. I took the right decision and therefore, many party workers and leaders came along. I have not threatened them. We are benefiting from being in the power.,'' said the NCP leader.
