Maharashtra's People Have Rejected Those Who Defected From NCP: Sharad Pawar

Putting up a strong show against all odds in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday said the people had rejected those who defected from his party ahead of elections to join the opponents.

"One important thing to see is that people who left us, have not been accepted. Defections have not worked in favour of those who left," Pawar said in a press conference after the trends showed the NCP making significant gains in the assembly.

"People did not like their act of expediency ahead of the election," he added.

Without naming ex-NCP MP from Satara, Udayanraje Bhosale, who was trailing behind NCP candidate in the Satara Lok Sabha byelection, Pawar said people did not like Bhosale's decision to join the BJP.

Largely written off just before the polls, the NCP was battered by defections. Its position in the election was further compromised when its ally Congress witnessed infighting of unparalleled proportions in its Mumbai unit.

On Thursday, however, the NCP emerged as a strong force in the state, leading in 55 seats, according to latest trend on the Election Commission website.

Lauding the Opposition, Pawar thanked party workers and partners. "Power comes, power goes but it is important to remain committed to a cause and we thank people for the love they showed," he said.

"People have not accepted the talk of 220 seats (out of 288). The NCP accepts people's mandate humbly. The Congress, NCP, PWP, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana and other
allies whole-heartedly co-operated with each other. The election result shows people did not like the arrogance of power," Pawar said.

"We will soon hold a meeting to discuss certain things about the elections, with our supporters and decide our future course of action. We have tried to perform to the best of our abilities," he said.

The BJP-Sena coalition is on course forming the government in Maharashtra, but the saffron party has failed to deliver on the 140-seat target set by the high command.

In Haryana, too, the BJP is involved in a close contest with Congress, and the two parties are neck and neck currently leading in 35 seats each.

(With inputs from agencies)