PUNE: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated on Thursday that the results of the recent Haryana elections, where the BJP retained power by defeating the Congress, will not influence the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in Karad, Satara district, Pawar noted the significance of the Jammu and Kashmir polls, stating, “We are studying Haryana, but at the same time, look at the results of Jammu and Kashmir (polls). I do not think that it (Haryana results) will have any bearing on the state's (Maharashtra's) elections. As far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, the world community gives more attention to it, and the results of Jammu and Kashmir are more important for the country.”
Elections for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are scheduled for 20 November, with results to be declared on 23 November. In the Haryana polls held on 5 October, the BJP achieved an unprecedented third term in the state, winning 48 out of 90 seats, while Congress secured 37 seats. Nayab Singh Saini is set to take oath as the new chief minister.
Pawar also addressed the unveiling of the new Lady of Justice statue at the Supreme Court, which features open eyes replacing the traditional blindfold and the Constitution in hand instead of a sword. He remarked, “A new direction has been shown by the CJI as this thought never occurred in this country.”
In response to a query regarding the INDIA bloc's strategy following the Congress's defeat in Haryana, he acknowledged the BJP's dominance in the state but emphasised the importance of Jammu and Kashmir's political developments.
When questioned about the Chief Election Commissioner's (CEC) decision not to freeze the NCP (SP)’s trumpet symbol, Pawar explained that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had informed them the picture of their party symbol was not very clear. However, he added, “So we can expect that it (the symbol) will not affect us,” as the image has now been enlarged for better visibility.
The NCP (SP) had previously requested the poll body to freeze the trumpet symbol, as it bears resemblance to the "man blowing turha" symbol formally allocated to their party.
Pawar also mentioned that the decision on which seats in Satara district the NCP (SP) would demand as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi's seat-sharing will be determined by the party's state unit chief, Jayant Patil.
On the issue of projecting a chief ministerial candidate for the MVA, Pawar stated that the matter had been resolved among the three coalition constituents—Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP)—as clarified during a joint press conference with Uddhav Thackeray present.
Concluding, he hinted at a more significant role for Jayant Patil, saying, “Patil has a big responsibility as he is the state president of the party.”
