Between BJP & Shiv Sena, BJP is better option because of its winnability, stability: Praful Patel

On joining Shinde-BJP govt
This isn't new. It was discussed in NCP several times and our MLAs were keen. In 2022, when Eknath Shinde was moving out and MLAs were going to Guwahati, we knew that the MVA government would fall. That time our MLAs were keen on allying with BJP so that we could be part of the government. In the larger political context, we feel that once we broke the ideological barrier by going along with Shiv Sena, we shouldn't have any reservations on allying with BJP in the interest of Maharashtra or the country.

On leaving MVA
MVA is not a natural alliance; many problems will arise in the grouping. Uddhav Thackeray and Congress would have demanded more seats than us. Thackeray also wanted to be the leader of MVA, though he didn't say it. At the constituency level, it was difficult to make things work in the three-party coalition.


I am not trying to say that this is natural or not natural. If there was any ideological barrier, it was broken the day we allied with Shiv Sena. We broke the barrier that we can't do business with BJP.

On another 3-party alliance
There is more stability because BJP is the largest party and it provides more stability to a coalition. Between BJP and Shiv Sena, BJP is the better option because of its winnability and stability factor.

Sharad Pawar's VIEW on MVA
He was not open to the idea. On several occasions, Mr Pawar maintained that we should continue as MVA, but people like me were not confident about going into elections as a three-party alliance in MVA.

On Ajit Pawar's numbers
We have 40 plus MLAs with us. When time comes, you will have everything on record. All the MLAs have come on their own.

On some MLAs Meeting Sr. Pawar
MLAs have spontaneously gone with Ajit Pawar. All these MLAs were present in Raj Bhavan. Some of them may have met him (Sharad Pawar), but they haven't signed for him.

On joining union cabinet
We haven't discussed any role for ourselves at the Centre. At this moment, we are busy with making sure that this government stabilises. This is our immediate concern.

Ties with Sharad Pawar
He is my guru, my mentor and will always remain so. I have no hesitation in walking up to him for advice.

Ajit Pawar as successor
I am not comparing Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. Sharad Pawarji's stature and statesmanship is definitely the tallest in Maharashtra. But Ajit Pawar is very popular in NCP and Maharashtra.

On Opposition unity efforts
I have been to the Patna Opposition meeting, and I can tell you that it's going to be a tough task to get most parties to work with each other. The country would not like to experiment again with the old formula of having minority governments cobbled together.

On Sharad Pawar's unity effort
He feels that an attempt needs to be made for Opposition unity. I feel Narendra Modi is very popular and when it comes to national elections, people would always look at Narendra Modi's work and popularity and also his international standing and stature.

On Portfolio allocation
It will be done in a day or two.

Ajit as CM candidate in 2024
We do not speculate. At the moment, we have accepted the current arrangement and that will continue till 2024 elections.