In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar emphasized that the Lok Sabha polls are not about internal family dynamics but rather a contest between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
When questioned about the perception of the poll battle being between himself and Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar clarified that he sees it differently, focusing on the broader national narrative. "I don't see it like that. I see it as Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi," he asserted.
Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, is contesting the Baramati Lok Sabha seat against his cousin and sitting MP, Supriya Sule. However, he dismissed any notion of familial rivalry influencing the electoral contest, stressing instead the importance of supporting the BJP and PM Modi for the region's development.
Addressing allegations of voter coercion, Ajit Pawar challenged accusers to provide evidence and confront him directly. He refuted claims of pressurizing voters in Baramati against supporting Supriya Sule and Sharad Pawar, inviting transparency in any such accusations.
Regarding speculation about being pressured by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to field his wife against his cousin, Ajit Pawar categorically denied such claims, asserting that Shah only emphasized the merit of candidates and the imperative of securing victories in elections.
Amidst the electoral rhetoric, Ajit Pawar reiterated that the crux of the elections lies in determining who will govern the country, framing the electoral contest as a decisive battle between PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi.
