Maharashtra’s new Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, stated that the country is progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed his support for the Prime Minister after joining the local BJP-coalition government. Pawar’s decision to align with the BJP and support the NDA government has caused a division within his former party, the Nationalist Congress Party.

Pawar officially joined the Maharashtra government and took oath as a minister along with other members of the NDA government. He mentioned that there will be a discussion on portfolios later, but his decision to support the BJP government is based on considering the national-level development. He also stated that he and his party will contest all future elections under the name and symbol of the NCP.

This move by Pawar has created obstacles for the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which consists of the Shiv Sena, Congress, and the NCP. Pawar’s decision to support the BJP-led coalition government has caused concerns within his former party.

In a press briefing, Pawar mentioned that his party decided to join the Eknath Shinde government for the development of the country. He appreciated Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and stated that his party’s vast experience in administration can contribute to the nation’s progress.

Defending his decision to align with the BJP, Pawar mentioned that if his party can join forces with the Shiv Sena, they can also join hands with the BJP. He added that a similar scenario happened in Nagaland as well.

Pawar assured that all the MLAs are with him and agreed with his decision. He stated that his party has all the numbers and the majority holds importance in a democracy. Pawar emphasized the need for young leadership to come forward and mentioned that his party, with 24 years of existence, falls under that category.

With inputs from Agencies.