Maharashtra: Is Ajit Pawar weighing his options? NCP unable to quieten buzz

MUMBAI: Even as state NCP president Jayant Patil on Monday ruled out the possibility of leader of opposition Ajit Pawar joining the BJP on the grounds that he as well as his family may be targeted, speculation was rife in political circles that Sharad Pawar's nephew is weighing his options.
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Patil said, "I do not think that Ajit Pawar will join the BJP, there is absolutely no substance in such reports (that say he would shift). During the MVA rally in Nagpur, I and Ajit Pawar were together. In my opinion, as of now the Shinde-Fadnavis government has enough majority, they do not require more legislators for stability of the government."

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar did not respond to TOI's messages as speculation continued over whether Ajit Pawar would join the BJP along with a section of NCP legislators.
Ajit Pawar himself dismissed as false reports that he has called a meeting of MLAs on Tuesday. He also said he had no scheduled events to attend on Monday amid reports that he had called off his engagements in Pune. He said he will be in Mumbai on Tuesday.

"I will be present at my office in Vidhan Bhavan for regular work. I have not called any meetings of MLAs or officials," he said.

During Sharad Pawar's April 11 meeting with former CM Uddhav Thackeray, where Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut was also present, the discussion had revolved around Ajit Pawar's move join the BJP. It was then stated that since a section of NCP leaders and their family members were being targeted, they may quit to ensure protection for themselves and their family members.

A senior NCP leader said that though Ajit Pawar may not join the BJP immediately, he will take a decision after the Supreme Court verdict in the Shiv Sena case. "It appears to be the BJP's Plan B to lure Ajit Pawar. The BJP is looking for a strong face in western Maharashtra, particularly after its humiliating defeat in the Kasba assembly by-election. The BJP lost the seat to Congress after more than two-and-a-half decades," he said.
The NCP leader said activities will gain momentum after SC's verdict. "Though Ajit has denied it, NCP activists believe he has begun mobilizing legislators supporting him. Depending on the SC verdict, he will take a decision on whether to join BJP or extend outside support," he said.
- With inputs from agencies