Exclusive: Ajit Pawar says polls not 'Pawar' battle, but PM Modi vs Rahul Gandhi contest

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar said that he did not see the Lok Sabha polls as a battle between Pawar family members. 'I see it as Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi," Ajit Pawar said.

Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar is contesting the Baramati Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra against his cousin and sitting MP Supriya Sule.

When asked if the poll battle is between him and Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar told India Today TV, "I don't see it like that. I see it as Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi. When we campaign, we tell the voters that the BJP and PM Modi will undoubtedly come to power for a third term. So we must send MPs to support him so we can benefit and bring development."

Ajit Pawar also denied the allegations that he is putting pressure on the voters in Baramati against supporting Supriya Sule and Sharad Pawar.

"If anyone has been pressurised, bring them forward and question them in front of me. If the conversation happened over the phone, then show the records to show how they were pressurised," said the NCP leader.

He said the elections are to decide who will rule the country, and it is a battle between PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi.

Further, Ajit Pawar denied that he was pressurised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to field his wife against his cousin to prove his loyalty.

"This is a lie. He (Amit Shah) only asked to field those candidates who have elective merit. Ensuring each candidate wins is very important," Ajit Pawar told India Today TV.