Sharad Pawar endorsed Devdutt Nikam in a rally against Walse Patil in Ambegaon.
State cooperation minister Dilip Walse Patil, a key leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is upset about NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar denying any family connection between them. Walse Patil felt hurt by Pawar’s rejection of their long-standing personal relationships.
Pawar, for the first time, called Walse Patil a “traitor” and urged people to vote against him. He emphasized that there are no family ties between their families.
Walse Patil responded by saying that Pawar’s denial of their relationship is painful. He mentioned that they have had close interactions for over 40 years. He expressed his disappointment in Pawar using harsh language against him.
Earlier in a rally, Pawar called Walse Patil a “traitor” and asked voters to defeat him in the upcoming elections. Walse Patil clarified that he was never claimed to be Pawar’s protege.
Walse Patil explained that his association with the Ajit Pawar-led faction was a collective decision made by 42 MLAs. He denied any coercion or pressure from investigative agencies.
He mentioned that he has not received any notices from investigative bodies. He stated that if any allegations against him are proven, he would withdraw his candidacy immediately.
Walse Patil’s comments reflect personal disappointment and political pragmatism as the NCP’s internal disputes continue to unfold publicly before the state assembly elections.