Sharad Pawar Condemns NCP Split for Power Gain

Sharad Pawar criticizes NCP leaders, including Dilip Walse Patil, for splitting the party over power ambitions. He highlights past unity and successes, and accuses defectors of forgetting the party's foundational support. Pawar urges loyalty among party workers ahead of upcoming elections, underscoring a historical betrayal by allies.

Sharad Pawar, chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), on Thursday criticized party leaders, including minister Dilip Walse Patil, accusing them of splitting the NCP for power. Pawar addressed party workers and supporters of Devdatta Nikam, the NCP candidate in Ambegaon, challenging sitting MLA Walse Patil.

Pawar reflected on the NCP's unity during the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, where they secured 54 seats and formed the MVA government. The veteran politician lambasted colleagues for breaking ranks and defecting to the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, acquiring the party name and emblem. Pawar expressed dismay over Walse Patil's participation in the split.

Pawar emphasized his past support for Walse Patil, having mentored him politically. He encouraged NCP workers and Nikam's backers from Ambegaon to consolidate support for the upcoming elections, despite advances by part of the leadership swaying in pursuit of power.

(With inputs from agencies.)