NCP President and Deputy Maharashtra Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed speculation on Friday, asserting that there is no tension in MahaYuti alliance regarding seat sharing for the upcoming Assembly elections.
At a press conference, Pawar stated, “The seat-sharing talks are progressing smoothly.” He emphasized that leaders from the MahaYuti alliance, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, are in discussions about the arrangement, which will be announced soon.
Pawar noted that the MahaYuti alliance has learned valuable lessons from the Lok Sabha elections and has taken corrective measures to ensure effective vote transfer among its allies. He expressed confidence in gaining support from Dalits, OBCs, and tribal communities who previously abstained from voting due to fears over constitutional changes and the potential cancellation of reservations.
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“The MahaYuti government has allocated additional funds for minorities and other segments of society,” he added. Pawar reiterated that the NCP remains committed to the ideologies of historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Mahatma Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and B.R. Ambedkar, aiming to win back these communities in the upcoming elections.
Furthermore, Pawar defended the state government’s recent announcement of welfare and development schemes. He insisted that these initiatives do not violate financial discipline and were not motivated by electoral considerations. Instead, they are aimed at the broader interest of various societal segments and the state’s overall progress.
“The fiscal deficit will remain within the 3 percent limit of the gross state domestic product (GSDP),” he stated. He assured that the government has taken necessary precautions to maintain this limit while launching new schemes, with budget allocations based on the state’s revenue and GSDP growth.
In response to concerns raised by the Finance Department regarding the potential for increased fiscal deficit, Pawar acknowledged the department’s role but emphasized that the Cabinet holds the authority to override such objections.
“There won’t be a problem with funds for implementing these schemes,” he explained. He noted that expenditure would be lower, particularly when the model code of conduct is in effect, ensuring proper use of allocated funds.
In a related development, actor Sayaji Shinde, now focused on environmental conservation alongside his acting career, joined the NCP. Pawar welcomed Shinde to the party and appointed him as a star campaigner for the upcoming Assembly election.