Sanjay Raut targets Ajit Pawar faction, says NCP has no political future

Mumbai, May 29 (PTI) The NCP has no future and leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare must be regretting separating Ajit Pawar from Sharad Pawar and aligning with the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said on Friday.

The Nationalist Congress Party split in July 2023 after Ajit Pawar joined the then Eknath Shinde government along with several MLAs. While Ajit Pawar got the party name and 'clock' symbol, Sharad Pawar's faction was christened NCP (SP).

The party "created by others" after splitting from its founder Sharad Pawar has no future, Raut said.

"Now leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Hasan Mushrif and Dhananjay Munde must be regretting separating Ajit Pawar from Sharad Pawar and aligning with the BJP. Looking at the current developments, they must definitely be repenting now," Raut claimed.

Speaking to reporters about the local body polls, Raut also said the opposition alliance in the state was reviewing its prospects in constituencies where it has limited voting strength.

"In many local self-government body constituencies, we have very little voting strength, much less than what is required. So discussions were held on how much attention should be given to those seats. Discussions are underway on four to five constituencies regarding who should contest and the strategy to be adopted," he said.

Party workers believe no election should go uncontested, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader stressed.

Slamming the BJP governments in Maharashtra and at the Centre for the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, Raut alleged those held have links to the ruling party and RSS.

"I have been repeatedly saying this. All these people are connected with the BJP. Take any name and I will tell you their RSS and BJP history. All those involved have been BJP and RSS supporters, workers or sympathisers," he claimed.

Raut alleged that eight key accused arrested so far in the case were from Maharashtra and linked to the BJP.

"The BJP cannot take action because these people are very close to the Sangh Parivar. The people who set the papers are linked to the BJP and the same people are leaking the papers," Raut alleged.

Maharashtra's image has been damaged across the country because paper leak rackets are operating here, he added.

The government's reported move to involve the Army and paramilitary forces in conducting examinations reflected a "complete failure of governance", he said, adding that the Army should protect borders, carry out operations against terrorism and help during floods and natural disasters.

"I recently visited the borders where Army personnel are stationed at heights of 20,000 feet. They are guarding the borders with Pakistan, Bhutan and China. Will you now call them back from the borders to conduct examinations?" he asked.

He also took a jibe at reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would personally monitor the (NEET) exam process, asking if the latter would now "sit at exam centres like a headmaster?" Students are under severe stress due to such leaks and are hanging between hope and despair, Raut claimed.

"Several students have committed suicide due to depression. Yesterday, a NEET student died by suicide in Marathwada. Students who appeared for or were preparing for the NEET examination are mentally disturbed and worried about their future," he said.

PM Modi, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis are fully responsible for this situation, he said.

The state had become the "biggest adda" of paper leak rackets, he alleged, adding it was happening under a chief minister like Devendra Fadnavis, "who is said to receive minute-by-minute information through a strong intelligence network".

Is the intelligence machinery only meant to keep watch on opposition leaders and tap their phones, Raut asked.

The CM should openly admit that he is responsible, just as the Union education minister accepted responsibility yesterday, Raut said.

Speaking about the developments in neighbouring Karnataka, Raut hailed Siddaramaiah for stepping down as chief minister on the command of the Congress' central leadership, adding that such "smooth transfers of power are rare in Indian politics".

"Senior leaders usually do not give up their posts so easily. He obeyed the Congress party's order and resigned. I have rarely seen this in Indian politics," Raut said.

Asked whether the Congress leadership had prevented Siddaramaiah from moving to Delhi politics, Raut said, "I cannot say that. But some leaders prefer working in the state rather than national politics." "Siddaramaiah is a grassroots leader and a very big leader in Karnataka. Just as Maharashtra had leaders like Vasantdada Patil and Vasantrao Naik, who preferred working in the state, Siddaramaiah is also such a leader," he added. PTI