Sharad Pawar Clears Air on Maha Vikas Aghadi's Chief Ministerial Candidate

NCP-SCP leader Sharad Pawar stated there is no dispute within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance over the Chief Minister's post and a decision will be made post-elections. He addressed various issues at a Kolhapur press conference, including the Badlapur incident, Shivaji Maharaj's statue collapse, and the necessity of a caste-based census.

In a crucial statement on Wednesday, NCP-SCP supremo Sharad Pawar emphasized that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance faces no internal disputes regarding the post of Chief Minister. Addressing a press conference in Kolhapur, Pawar mentioned that a final decision would only be made after the Maharashtra legislative assembly elections, which are expected later this year.

'There is no dispute about the post of Chief Minister in our alliance. We will make a decision post-elections. Although we have not yet secured the majority, it is certain we will prevail. Once the elections conclude, we will discuss and determine the Chief Ministerial candidate,' Pawar stated. He further reminded that alliances have successfully run for elections without a pre-declared Chief Ministerial face in the past.

Addressing the recent protest following the Badlapur incident, Pawar condemned the torture of young girls and the resultant police actions against protesters. Additionally, he criticized the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district due to poor craftsmanship, dismissing claims that it was caused by strong winds. Furthermore, Pawar supported the RSS's call for a caste-based census to uplift marginalized communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)