The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has expressed strong discontent with Shiv Sena minister Tanaji Sawant’s recent controversial statement. Sawant, during a speech at a party workshop in Dharashiv, claimed that although he sits next to NCP members during Cabinet meetings, he feels the urge to vomit afterward.
NCP’s Chief Spokesman, Umesh Patil, condemned Sawant’s remarks, suggesting that the NCP should reconsider its position within the Mahayuti alliance, especially as Assembly elections approach. Patil argued that the party does not need to remain in the alliance if such disrespect continues.
Adding to the criticism, NCP legislator Amol Mitkari mocked the health minister, suggesting that if Sawant is “vomiting because of being in the Mahayuti,” Chief Minister Eknath Shinde should treat him. This sarcastic response underscores the growing friction between the alliance partners.
Interestingly, neither NCP National President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar nor state unit chief Sunil Tatkare have responded to Sawant’s inflammatory remarks. This silence has fueled speculation about the internal dynamics within the alliance.
Tanaji Sawant, elected from the Bhum Paranda Assembly constituency as a Shiv Sena (united) candidate in 2019, made his provocative statement while asserting his loyalty to the Shiv Sena. He emphasized that his opposition to Congress and NCP dates back to his student days, and sitting next to NCP members in the Cabinet is intolerable to him.
Umesh Patil’s response was sharp, questioning Sawant’s authority to speak about the NCP and reminding him that his ministerial position is a result of the BJP’s decision to form the Mahayuti alliance. Patil warned that such derogatory comments against the NCP could lead to the party withdrawing from the alliance.
Amol Mitkari also took a jab at Sawant’s past controversial statements, highlighting his history of making outlandish claims, such as blaming crabs for dam failures and misidentifying institutions. Mitkari’s pointed remarks illustrate the ongoing tension and dissatisfaction within the Mahayuti.
This incident is not the first time Sawant has targeted the NCP. During the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, Sawant had criticized Ajit Pawar, then the state finance minister, for not allocating sufficient funds to the Shiv Sena. Sawant has also been known for his confrontational behavior, once telling a senior police officer that he would have to listen to him, even if the Chief Minister does not.
Sawant’s latest remarks and the subsequent backlash from the NCP reveal the underlying discord within the Mahayuti, raising questions about the alliance’s stability as the Assembly elections draw near.
