Ajit Pawar's resignation puts Congress on the backfoot

After the pullout of the Trinamool Congress, its the NCP, congress's coalition partner in Maharashtra, that is now giving the Congress a headache.

The resignation of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has caused a turmoil in the Maharashtra Government, with Congress Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan declining to accept the resignation. Pawar is alleged to be involved in Rs 80,00 crore irrigation scam in the state. The NCP for now has rebuffed all talk of pulling out from the government and instead stated that the post of Deputy CM will remain vacant for now.

NCP national spokesperson DP Tripathi speaking to Business Standard said, “I wish to clarify that only Ajit pawar has resigned and none of our ministers. The conspiracy of those who wish to malign the NCP will soon be exposed.” The NCP stopped short of naming those it claimed was maligning the government.

Tripathi added, “Ajit Pawar continues to be the leader of the legislative party in Maharashtra and is our strongest leader in the state. These allegations against him are absolutely baseless.”

Even though the NCO might be tightlipped about who its opponents are but their dislike for the present chief minister Prithviraj Chavan is well known. A senior NCP leader who did not wish to be named explained that the NCP has resorted to political offensive of pulling out its Deputy CM only so that the Congress and its chief minister will be on the backfoot.

“The NCP strong man Ajit Pawar is now free to show his strength. It will be a good move to know show the Congress what the NCP is capable of, “said the leader.