No split, party discipline violated, worried about future of rebels: NCP chief Sharad Pawar

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Ajit Pawar and leaders like Praful Patel violated the party discipline by joining the Shinde-BJP government in Maharashtra, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said on Sunday. Pawar denied there was a split in the party and claimed more than NCP's future, he was worried about the political future of those who have joined Ajit Pawar. He was, however, not sure about the number of MLAs and leaders with him but claimed that people were with him.

«This (split) might seem new. But this isn't new to me. In 1980s, I had 58 MLAs with me, but barring five all of them left.

I went to the people and barring 4-5, most of the MLAs lost. The same situation will happen now. I have immense faith in the people of the state,» Pawar said during a press conference in Pune.

Pawar said he would soon tour Maharashtra to campaign against BJP and NCP MLAs joining hands with BJP. «We cannot be friends with whom you have joined… When I go before the people, I will tell them how BJP is damaging the social and religious fabric in the country.» «Nothing will happen to the symbol. I had contested my first elections on the symbol of two bulls, then we contested on a cow and a calf; in between we had other symbols.

People vote for those who they believe can resolve their issues and deliver,» said Pawar. Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said: «The prime minister recently said that 'NCP is mired in corruption' and he spoke about the MSC Bank and irrigation 'scams'. I am now happy that in the Cabinet a few NCP ministers have been sworn in.

It shows that the PM's allegations have no substance. I am thankful to him that he has absolved them of all charges.» «If I want to give credit for today's developments, then I have to give it to the PM. When the PM