NCP hails Pawar for bold step: BJP, Sena call it pressure tactics

'There is no truth in the allegations. he has decided to stay away from any post until he comes out clean'

The city unit of the Nationalist Congress Party on Tuesday hailed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's decision to resign, while Opposition parties described it as a tactic to put Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on the backfoot.

On Tuesday afternoon, Pawar sent in his resignation to the CM to ensure an impartial probe into allegations regarding irregularities when he had held the water resources portfolio between 1999 and 2009. Pawar said it pained him because he has always worked efficiently for inclusive development. "People believe I'm a man who keeps his promise. I don't want to tarnish my image," he said.

Describing it as a bold move, MP and city unit president of the NCP Vandana Chavan said, "The Deputy Chief Minister's decision to resign is a bold step. People talk about politicians lacking in morality. But here is a fantastic example of a leader giving up his post following allegations and setting a unique example on the political terrain. He is clearly different from other politicians who refuse to quit despite serious allegations. We are sure Ajit Pawar will emerge unscathed from the probe because he has done nothing wrong. He is a leader who has worked tirelessly for the state's development."

NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade said Pawar resigned to ensure a fair inquiry into the allegations. "There is no truth in the allegations against Pawar. Pawar has decided to stay away from any post until he comes out clean," Kakade added.

Party workers have been urging him to not quit over the allegations, Kakade, said, adding, "NCP ministers have been facing criticism from opposition parties and are targeted unneccessarily."

Opposition parties, however, chose to describe it as a "pressure tactics". They said he looked in all sort of trouble especially after teh Chief Minister's announcement of a White Paper on irrigation projects. "I think Ajit Pawar has resigned so that the Chief Minister does not go ahead with the probe. Pawar is using pressure tactics to put the CM on the backfoot," said BJP MLA Girish Bapat.

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