Umesh Patil suspects foul play in Ajit Pawar case, asks Ramdas Kadam for proof

Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Umesh Patil has said he believes there was foul play in the matter of Ajit Pawar. According to Patil, he will speak openly about it one day. He made the remark on a visit to Baramati today.

Patil also responded to a statement by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Ramdas Kadam. He said Kadam should provide proof of what he has said, and should not make claims without basis.

Kadam had targeted Sunil Tatkare, saying: "He was Antulay saheb's PA, and it was he who finished off Antulay saheb. Whoever brings Tatkare close, he works to finish that person. I have heard that he himself wanted to become Deputy Chief Minister. So did he have a hand in the foul play against Ajit dada? There should be an investigation in this direction. His ambitions are demonic, and he can do anything to fulfil them."

Tatkare has rejected Kadam's allegations. He said the charges against him are false. According to Tatkare, he will respond at a press conference.

On Kadam's statement, Patil said Kadam had levelled allegations against Tatkare before as well. Patil said Tatkare has been working in the Konkan for the past 40 years and built the party there in opposition to the Shiv Sena. Patil therefore said this should be seen as a local-level conflict.

Patil also spoke on talk of a merger. He said no discussions have taken place and that such talk exists only in the media. According to him, Tatkare had said one thing earlier and something else now, so his position has become neutral. Patil said, "I say with responsibility that no discussion on a merger is going on."

On the question of the NDA, Patil said that if Sharad Pawar's party wants to join the NDA, it is for the BJP to decide whether to take it in. He asked what role the NCP has in that. Patil also said legislators of his faction will not go to meet Sharad Pawar, and that reports to that effect are wrong.

Finally, Patil said he does not know whether merger talks will happen in the future, but that no such discussion is under way at present.