Pune: BJP Protests Against Ajit Pawar’s Convoy in Narayangaon, Sparks Mahayuti Rift

Pune, 18th August 2024: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Ajit Pawar, held its Jansanman Yatra in Narayangaon, Junnar. However, Ajit Pawar and other NCP members were met with protests by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists and office bearers, who showed black flags to his convoy. The protesters stood by the roadside and continued their demonstration at the event venue. This BJP opposition has sparked speculation of a potential dispute within the Mahayuti alliance.

The leaders of the Ajit Pawar faction have become increasingly aggressive in response to the protests. NCP Maharashtra State President Sunil Tatkare expressed displeasure and stated that they would address the matter with BJP Maharashtra State President Chandrasekhar Bawankule. MLC Amol Mitkari from the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has also demanded a statement from Devendra Fadnavis regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the protesting BJP officials argued that the event was a government meeting, yet there were no photographs of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde or Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the venue. They criticized Ajit Pawar, stating, “If he is the Guardian Minister of Pune, he should take responsibility for this district, instead of pursuing personal politics.”

BJP workers also raised slogans against the local MLA Atul Benke. Amol Mitkari, visibly upset, posted on the microblogging platform X, expressing his dissatisfaction with the BJP protests. In his post, Mitkari asserted that the Jan Sanman Yatra is an independent program of the NCP, and those protesting with black flags should organize a separate event. He called on Devendra Fadnavis to clarify the reasons behind the protest.