Maharashtra irrigation scam: There is a conspiracy to malign my image, says Ajit Pawar

MUMBAI: Senior NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar today said there was "a conspiracy to malign his image"; and he would not withdraw his resignation.

He was speaking at the ongoing meeting of NCP legislators at Vidhan Bhawan here, attended by party chief and Union Minister Sharad Pawar, to resolve the crisis created by the surprise resignation.

"I am firm on my stand. I will not withdraw the resignation," Ajit was quoted as saying by the party sources present at the meeting.

Amid speculation that his resignation was the indicator of rift between him and Sharad Pawar, Ajit said that Sharad Pawar was like "God" to him, and he would abide by the NCP supremo's decision, sources added.

Ajit had said earlier that he was resigning in the wake of allegations of corruption in the irrigation projects.