Overview

• At a Pune meeting, Ajit Pawar told party workers that Sharad Pawar would no longer "shield" mistakes and urged restraint and responsibility.
• He acknowledged that the immediate relief of Rs 5,000 and 10 kg of grains for flood-affected households is insufficient and said he will push to increase it.
• The Maharashtra government has sought central assistance, with letters sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for flood support on lines extended to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
• Preparing for local body elections, he said ticket distribution will be based on merit and that new faces will be given opportunities.
• His remarks come as the Ajit-led faction, which holds the NCP name and clock symbol after the 2023 split, consolidates against Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP).