Ruling Mahayuti ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar surprised political circles by releasing a video statement praising himself for the Maharashtra budget (2024-2025), followed by playing the victim card, which drew criticism from the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Thursday.
Describing it as a "historic" budget, Ajit Pawar highlighted various schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and initiatives for farmers, youth, and other developmental projects—criticized by MVA as mere election-oriented gestures.
"Despite introducing revolutionary schemes like the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana for impoverished women aged 21-60, among other initiatives, I've been unfairly criticized by the Opposition," lamented Ajit Pawar.
"The purpose of this scheme is to empower women, enabling them to be independent without relying on men for trivial expenses. However, instead of recognizing its intent, critics are only interested in political games," he added.
"I continue to focus on my responsibilities. Over the years, I've launched numerous schemes and initiatives aimed at development. Yet, the Opposition claims we've done nothing. Their agenda is purely political and disconnected from the state's progress," asserted Ajit Pawar.
Throughout his public career, Ajit Pawar emphasized his loyalty to his constituency and denied ever switching political parties. He defended his actions, stating, "False allegations of corruption have been leveled against me, but none have been proven, nor will they be. Those who work diligently for the welfare of the poor and farmers are often unjustly criticized by the Opposition."
Reacting to his statements, NCP(SP) Working President Supriya Sule criticized her cousin, pointing out that corruption allegations originated from BJP leaders within the Mahayuti alliance. "He should question them instead," she remarked, noting potential legal concerns over the use of party symbols in his video.
State Congress Working President M Arif Naseem Khan dismissed the budget as election-oriented, suggesting that without sufficient funds, its promises are empty.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut raised questions about Ajit Pawar's political allegiance, referencing past controversies within the family.
Responding to criticisms, NCP(SP) state President Jayant Patil and MLC Shashikant Shinde suggested internal power struggles within Mahayuti as the elections approached.
Supporting Ajit Pawar, his party leader Amol Mitkari defended the budget's focus on schemes for the underprivileged, while Shiv Sena's MLA Sanjay Gaikwad highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Mahayuti partners.
Committing to fulfill his promises to the people, Ajit Pawar urged voters to differentiate between those genuinely committed to the state's progress and those engaging in political rhetoric ahead of the October Assembly elections.
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