Ajit Pawar Refutes Claims of Bhujbal's Discontent Over Sunetra Pawar's Rajya Sabha Candidacy

Services

Option Trading with CA Abhay

FNO Stocks with CA Abhay

Equity Trading with CA Abhay

Equity Investment with CA Abhay

Stock Market Masterclass

Maharashtra Deputy CM Denies Reports of Intraparty Discord Over Rajya Sabha Nomination

Team Finance Saathi

14/Jun/2024

Key Points

Ajit Pawar denied claims that Chhagan Bhujbal was upset over Sunetra Pawar's Rajya Sabha nomination.
Bhujbal expressed his desire to become an MP but acknowledged the party's collective decision.
Key NCP leaders supported Sunetra Pawar's nomination, indicating no internal discord.

Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, recently addressed media reports suggesting that senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal was unhappy with the party's decision to nominate Sunetra Pawar for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypoll. On Friday, June 14, Ajit Pawar clarified that the decision to nominate his wife, Sunetra Pawar, was made by the Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) apex body and not based on personal preferences or favoritism. He emphasized that Bhujbal himself had assured him of his contentment with the decision.

Background of the Nomination

Sunetra Pawar filed her nomination papers as the NCP candidate for the Rajya Sabha bypoll in Maharashtra, following her recent loss in the Lok Sabha elections from Baramati. The bypoll was necessitated after NCP leader Praful Patel vacated his seat to secure a full term of six years in the Upper House of Parliament earlier in February. The process of selecting a candidate for such an important position involves the party's parliamentary board, ensuring that the decision is in line with the party's strategy and collective agreement.

Ajit Pawar's Statement

Ajit Pawar addressed the media, refuting the rumors of internal strife within the party. He pointed out that certain individuals, including those from the opposition and even some within their own ranks, were spreading these reports. He stressed that the decision was taken collectively by the party’s parliamentary board, and it was not influenced by personal relationships or biases. He also clarified the situation regarding the absence of BJP and Shiv Sena allies during the nomination filing, attributing it to scheduling conflicts and not to any deliberate exclusion.

"The decision about the nomination was taken by the parliamentary board (NCP's key decision-making body) and after that, papers were filed (by Sunetra Pawar). Due to the tragic death of Amol Kale (Mumbai Cricket Association president), Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis could not attend the nomination filing. I also informed Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a day before that they would be filing the nomination papers," Ajit Pawar said.

He highlighted that reports suggesting the absence of BJP and Shiv Sena allies during the nomination were misleading, and if he had not invited them, their absence was understandable. He further noted the presence of key NCP leaders, including Praful Patel and Chhagan Bhujbal, during the filing of Sunetra Pawar's nomination papers at the Vidhan Bhavan in south Mumbai, underscoring the united front of the party.

Chhagan Bhujbal's Perspective

Chhagan Bhujbal, speaking earlier in the day in Pune, expressed his long-held desire to become a Member of Parliament (MP), which fueled his interest in contesting both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections. He acknowledged his keen interest in the Rajya Sabha ticket but reiterated that he was not upset over Sunetra Pawar’s nomination, describing it as a "collective decision" of the party.

Bhujbal responded to queries about his supposed dissatisfaction, noting that while he had prepared to contest from the Nashik Lok Sabha seat based on assurances from Delhi, the delay and eventual change in decision led him to halt his preparations, feeling a sense of humiliation. However, he accepted the outcome, attributing it to possible strategic reasons, party compulsions, or even destiny.

“It is my desire (to become an MP). That is why I was ready to contest from the Nashik Lok Sabha seat. As I had been told that my ticket was finalized in Delhi, I had started working, but when the decision (to announce the name) dragged on for a month, I stopped as there was enough humiliation,” Bhujbal explained. Despite his personal aspirations, Bhujbal emphasized the importance of party unity and collective decision-making in political processes.

Conclusion

The nomination of Sunetra Pawar for the Rajya Sabha bypoll, despite initial speculations of internal discord, appears to be a strategic decision by the NCP’s parliamentary board. Ajit Pawar’s clarifications and Bhujbal’s acceptance highlight the complexities of political decision-making within a party and the need for alignment with broader strategic goals. The presence of senior party leaders during the nomination filing further underscores the united front presented by the NCP amid the speculations.

As Maharashtra's political landscape continues to evolve, such decisions and the clarity provided by party leaders play a crucial role in maintaining party cohesion and presenting a united front to the public. The forthcoming Rajya Sabha bypoll will be a significant event, potentially influencing the state's political dynamics and the NCP's position within it.

Also Read : Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest of Six in Rs 70 Lakh Robbery in Chandni Chowk

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst & Finance Saathi Telegram Channel for Regular Share Market, News & IPO Updates