Ajit Pawar Calls for All-Party Meet on Maratha Quota Issue

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar urges for an all-party discussion on the Maratha quota issue. He expressed the scheme's transparency and rebutted opposition claims that it is an election gimmick. Pawar also discussed state revenue and his Jan Sanman Yatra receiving positive feedback from women beneficiaries.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday called for an all-party meeting to address the Maratha quota issue.

Speaking to PTI during his Jan Sanman Yatra, Pawar emphasized the importance of including opposition parties' views, as they also represent the populace.

'Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange wants the quota under the OBC category. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held an all-party meeting to discuss this, but the opposition stayed away. Whether the boycott was deliberate is unclear. We have decided to seek their (opposition) time again,' Pawar stated.

Pawar lauded the Mukhyamnatri Ladki Bahin Yojana, providing Rs 1,500 per month to women with annual family incomes below Rs 2.5 lakh. The scheme will launch on August 17 in Balewadi, with funds disbursed for July and August. The launch event will feature CM Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Pawar underlined the scheme's transparency, noting money is directly transferred to beneficiaries' Aadhaar-linked accounts, preventing illicit activities.

Refuting opposition claims of the scheme being an election ploy that would strain the exchequer, Pawar mentioned his experience in presenting ten budgets and understanding finances.

Pawar elaborated on resource-raising, highlighting Maharashtra's contribution of 16% to the national GST, with half returning to the state, supplemented by revenue from excise and other taxes.

He noted positive responses from women to his Jan Sanman Yatra, with schemes benefiting women, farmers, and youth receiving appreciation from the poor across all castes.

On seat sharing for upcoming state polls, Pawar said he had held constructive discussions with CM Shinde and Fadnavis multiple times, aiming for a resolution. He acknowledged the anticipation of a November election but clarified the schedule is determined by the election commission.

Regarding the Baramati Lok Sabha contest between Supriya Sule and his wife Sunetra, Pawar denied any deliberate mistakes and emphasized his straightforward nature.

Discussing his leadership role post-NCP split, Pawar highlighted his evolving responsibility since joining politics, noting that final decisions now rest with him.

Pawar refrained from discussing family disputes publicly, maintaining that such matters should remain private.

Asked about potential reconciliation with Sharad Pawar, the deputy CM focused on his commitment to Maharashtra's development and securing more funds for the state, criticizing the opposition as perpetually negative.

He refrained from comparing CM Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray, noting everyone works for Maharashtra's benefit. Pawar also distanced himself from allegations involving former police commissioner Param Bir Singh and the MVA government.

(With inputs from agencies.)