NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar in an emotional outburst hit out at his uncle Sharad Pawar, accusing him of splitting the family and indulging in “low-level politics” by fielding a family member against him on Baramati seat.
Ajit Pawar, who filed the nomination on Monday for Maharashtra assembly elections from Baramati assembly, got emotional while addressing a rally and said, “I previously admitted to making a mistake, but it seems like others are now making errors too. My family and I had agreed to file the form in Baramati first, but that didn’t happen. Despite the challenges, we managed to improve the situation.”
“My mother has been very supportive and she even advised that they (Sharad Pawar faction) should not nominate anyone against Ajit Pawar. However, I was told that Saheb (Sharad Pawar) instructed someone to file a nomination against me … Saheb created the split within the family,” he added.
In an emotional outburst, the deputy CM said, “I just want to say that politics should not be brought to such a low level because it takes generations to be united but it doesn’t take a single moment to break the family.”
Ajit Pawar is fielded against his nephew and Sharad Pawar’s grandson Yugendra Pawar. The deputy chief minister had earlier acknowledged that his decision to field his wife Sunetra against his cousin Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, in the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency was an error in judgement.
Meanwhile, Yugendra Pawar also submitted his nomination papers and was accompanied by Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule.
Pawar Senior strongly supported his grandnephew Yugendra Pawar emphasising the public’s backing for the leadership of new generation.
In a statement to the media, Sharad Pawar said, “Today, we came here to file the nomination form of Yugendra Pawar, a young candidate from Baramati. He has studied abroad, is highly educated, and is accustomed to the administration and sugar-related business. The party has given opportunity to a youngster.”
“I am sure that the people of Baramati will accept this new generation and new leadership and will throw their might behind him,” he added.