Ajit Pawar welcomes ex-BJP leader Eknath Khadse's entry in NCP

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday welcomed former BJP leader Eknath Khadses induction into the NCP, saying his entry will energise the Sharad Pawar-led party.

Taking to Twitter, Ajit Pawar said Khadse's leadership will help expand the party in the Khandesh region (north (Maharashtra) and also in other parts of the state.

Khadse (68) hails from Jalgaon district of Khandesh.

Ajit Pawars comments came amid media reports that his absence at a party event to induct Khadse indicated he was unhappy over the development.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar himself trashed the reports earlier in the day after Khadse and his daughter Rohini joined the NCP.

राज्याचे ज्येष्ठ नेते, माननीय श्री. एकनाथरावजी खडसे साहेबांचे मी @NCPspeaks पक्षामध्ये मनापासून स्वागत करतो. मा. खडसेसाहेब आणि रोहिणीताईंच्या पक्षप्रवेशानं राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेसला निश्चितच नवे बळ,ऊर्जा मिळाली आहे.

— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) October 23, 2020

Ajit Pawar has been in home quarantine as a precautionary measure though he has tested negative for COVID-19.

"I welcome the state's senior leader honorable Mr Eknathrao ji Khadse saheb in @NCPSpeaks from the bottom of my heart. Khadse saheb and Rohini Taais entry into the NCP will definitely energise the party", Ajit Pawar tweeted in Marathi.

He also said that the seniority and experience of those who joined the NCP with Khadse will definitely be respected in the NCP. Khadse quit the BJP on Wednesday.