Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday sought to clarify the state’s evolving political dynamics, the stability of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, and ongoing high-profile investigations.
Addressing the functioning of the ruling alliance, the Chief Minister took a firm stand on the issue of party defections. Amid speculation over possible crossovers, he said that while the BJP would support the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), its doors would remain closed to leaders from the party.
He was speaking at an interactive session organised by local television channels here. “We will provide all the necessary assistance to run, sustain, and strengthen the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction),” CM Fadnavis said.
“However, no one from their party will be inducted into the BJP.”
Reflecting on the volatile nature of Maharashtra politics since 2019, he said: “What happened in 2019 was incomprehensible. After that, nothing should come as a surprise; anything is possible in politics now.”
The Chief Minister expressed confidence in late former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s role within the administration and the party, noting that the NCP was gradually stabilising.
“In the beginning, there was a sense of uncertainty within the NCP. There were doubts about whether the leadership could manage effectively. But over the past few months, the party has shown signs of consolidation, and I believe it will stabilise fully in the coming period,” he said.
Turning to law and order, CM Fadnavis addressed the Ashok Kharat case and said that the investigation is being carried out with “utmost professionalism”. He rejected calls for arrests based solely on viral photographs, emphasising that legal action must be backed by concrete evidence.
“At the same time, I want to assure that the law will take its course, and no one found guilty will be spared,” he added.
Regarding the TCS-related case, the Chief Minister described the matter as serious but clarified that the company itself was not at fault in the incident.
CM Fadnavis also addressed claims that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was kept in the dark regarding political developments linked to the NCP.
He rejected these reports, stating that Deputy Chief Minister Shinde had been fully informed about the developments. He also expressed disappointment over contradictory statements made at the time, describing them as “unconvincing”.
(IANS)
