In a new twist to the 2019 power-sharing discussions between the BJP and NCP, Sharad Pawar has clarified that while industrialist Gautam Adani hosted the meeting at his Delhi residence, he did not participate in the political talks. Pawar’s statement adds to the ongoing debate about Adani’s role in the controversial discussions.
By PC Bureau
The mystery surrounding industrialist Gautam Adani’s involvement in the 2019 political talks between the BJP and the undivided Sharad Pawar-led NCP has deepened. Senior Pawar has confirmed that the meeting took place at Adani’s Delhi residence but denied that Adani played any role in the discussions. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has claimed that the NCP veteran was indeed part of the power-sharing talks with the BJP but later “betrayed” them.
In an interview with The News Minute-Newslaundry, Sharad Pawar clarified that the businessman merely hosted the dinner and did not participate in the political discussions. Pawar mentioned that, aside from himself, the attendees included Amit Shah and Ajit Pawar. The talks, which focused on power-sharing, took place before Ajit Pawar’s early morning swearing-in as deputy chief minister alongside Fadnavis as chief minister. This government lasted only 80 hours.
Pawar revealed that many of his NCP colleagues, who were facing cases from central agencies, were promised by the BJP that the cases would be dropped if they joined forces. While Pawar expressed doubts about the BJP’s commitment to this assurance, his colleagues insisted on hearing it directly from the source, leading him to attend the dinner at Adani’s residence with Amit Shah.
Ajit Pawar, speaking about the meeting, confirmed the details, stating, “Yes, there were five meetings… Amit Shah was there, Gautam Adani was there, Praful Patel was there, Devendra Fadnavis was there, Ajit Pawar was there, Pawar Saheb was there… Everything was decided.” He added that he took the blame for the situation, protecting others involved.
Meanwhile, Fadnavis has asserted that Adani was not present at the meeting. “The meeting did take place, but it was not at Adani’s residence, nor was he present. Besides me, the meeting was attended by Amit Shah, Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel, and Ajit Pawar,” he said.
Fadnavis further explained that the meeting involved marathon discussions on the formation of the government, allocation of portfolios, and the appointment of guardian ministers, with the execution of the plan entrusted to him and Ajit Pawar. However, Fadnavis claimed that Pawar had quietly withdrawn from the plan, leaving the BJP and NCP surprised by his backtracking.
