Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar would join hands in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), amid speculation after the recent municipal elections in Maharastra.
The comments come after both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were seen competing together in civic polls in several cities. There is also speculation that both factions could contest future elections under the same symbol, raising doubts over Sharad Pawar’s future in the MVA.
Rejecting any such speculation, Raut said, “Why should anyone think that Sharad Pawar will leave the Maha Vikas Aghadi? Sharad Pawar is with us. His party is part of the MVA.”
Raut went one step further and predicted a political meeting within the opposition alliance. “I think Sharad Pawar will come to the Maha Vikas Aghadi along with Ajit Pawar,” he said. “People should think about that possibility.”
Talking about Ajit Pawar’s current role in the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Raut said he was sending mixed signals. “Ajit Pawar is in the ruling alliance, but at the same time he has maintained ties with Maha Vikas Aghadi,” Raut said. “Due to this, action will be taken against him there,” he added.
When asked directly if Ajit Pawar would have to leave the government, Raut replied: “He will have to go. You can’t stand on two stones at the same time. You can’t sail two boats at once. At some point, you have to choose a side.”
Raut said he was confident in the future political alignment. “I am sure that in the coming days Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar will be seen together in Maha Vikas Aghadi,” he said.