Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar on Sunday indicated that action would be taken against his nephew Ajit Pawar and other party leaders who joined the ruling dispensation in a big political coup earlier in the day. Ajit took oath as the deputy chief minister, while eight MLAs of the NCP took oath as ministers in the Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra.
"Those who violated the party line and took oath, a decision has to be taken on them," Pawar said, adding that his endeavour after this development would be to travel as much as possible within state and the country, and build relations with people.
"Today's episode (on his party MLAs joining the Shinde government) may be new for others, but not for me," he said, referring to the situation in 1980.
“The party I was leading in 1980 had 58 MLAs, later all left and only 6 MLAs left, but I strengthened the numbers and those who left me lost in their constituencies,” he said.
Taking a swipe at Ajit and other leaders including Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse-Patil and Hasan Mushrif, Pawar said some party leaders were nervous about probes by the Enforcement Directorate.
"Two days ago the PM had spoken about NCP... He had said two things in his statement -- that NCP is a finished party. He mentioned irrigation complaint and allegations of corruption. I am happy that some of my colleagues have taken oath. From this, it is clear that all the charges have been cleared. I am thankful to him," he said.
Pawar has called a meeting of the party leaders on Monday to discuss what action could be taken against the rebels.
“Being the president, I had appointed Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare but they did not follow their responsibilities. Therefore, I have to take some action against them,” said the NCP supremo.
He further said that the NCP's main strength is the people. “In the next two-three days, we will sit with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray to access the situation,” he added.
Pawar said he has been getting calls from several opposition leaders ever since the political developments in the state.
“I am receiving several calls from a lot of people, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and others have called me. I am not worried about whatever happened today. Tomorrow, I will take the blessings of YB Chavan (former Maharashtra CM) and will hold a public meeting,” Pawar said.
