We are responsible for NCP’s slow growth in Vidarbha: Ajit Pawar

 

 

The leaders upon whom NCP had bestowed the responsibility of the party’s expansion in Vidarbha failed to deliver, said Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar while speaking to mediapersons in the city on Saturday. The Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly was here to inaugurate a State-level workshop organised by the party’s OBC Cell. While expressing regret over his party’s failure to spread its wings in Vidarbha, Pawar added, “However, we take the blame upon us for this. Our seats have grown in Pune, Ahmednagar, and in other districts, but we have failed to grow in Vidarbha. Since the formation of NCP in 1999, we could win 14 seats in Vidarbha only once till now. If leaders in Vidarbha make up their mind, NCP can definitely succeed.”

Pawar pointed out that if efforts taken the people of Vidarbha can support NCP. “The allegations were made that the leaders in West Maharashtra ignored Vidarbha. When we provided fund to Vidarbha during the tenure as Minister, cases were registered against us for the reasons best known to the authorities. During the Government of Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA), Sharad Pawar had given more share to Vidarbha. New generation of the party in Vidarbha if provides attention, the party can grow,” felt Pawar. Replying to a question, Ajit Pawar made it clear, “All the three constituents of MVA are positive as far as seat sharing is concerned. Uddhav Thackeray expressed the wish to get 18 Lok Sabha seats for his party. Everyone can put the demand. But every constituent has to make the adjustment. I am sure some middle way can be find out. If we unite and contest the polls we will defeat the ruling party for sure.”

On Pune Lok Sabha by-polls, Pawar said, “The performance of the parties within MVA in Pune should be studied. We can easily find out which constituent is powerful in Pune. Accordingly the decision can be taken.” Pawar dismissed the rumour about exchanging Pune with Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seat within MVA for 2024 polls. Pune Lok Sabha constituency is being contested by Congress since long while Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had contested the Bhandara-Gondiya seat on four occasions since 2009.