Ajit Pawar will eventually become Chief Minister, says Praful Patel

Former Union Minister Praful Patel, who is with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar, on Thursday expressed confidence in Mr. Ajit Pawar’s leadership stating that he is a popular and heavyweight leader who will eventually have the opportunity to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

He said Mr. Ajit Pawar had been a prominent figure in the party for years, and those who work diligently would eventually get the chance to lead. “Those who work get the opportunity either today, tomorrow or the day after. Many have got the opportunity. Ajit Dada will also get it, if not today, tomorrow or anytime in future. We will work in that direction,” Mr. Patel said in Nagpur.

Responding to speculations about Mr. Ajit Pawar’s possible elevation as the Chief Minister, the Rajya Sabha member clarified that the post (of CM) was not currently vacant, “so why talk about it.” However, he reiterated his belief that Mr. Ajit Pawar was a capable leader who would have his turn to lead the western State in the future.