Ajit Pawar skips RSS homage during Nagpur visit, raising tensions

Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader, faced backlash during his recent visit to Nagpur for not paying homage at the Hedgewar Smarak, a significant site for the RSS. This incident occurred after a program for the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, where other leaders, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, visited the memorial. Pawar's absence has heightened tensions within the RSS and BJP, marking the second time he has skipped this visit since joining the Maha Yuti government. The decision to avoid the RSS headquarters has been interpreted as a strategic move by Pawar, who is likely trying to maintain his voter base ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. His party's poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where they secured only one seat, has put additional pressure on him to regain public trust. Pawar is reportedly focusing on the Katol Assembly constituency in Vidarbha, a seat traditionally contested by the NCP but currently held by a rival. Moreover, dissatisfaction among BJP workers regarding Pawar's role in the Maha Yuti has been documented in a survey, indicating that many do not view him as a natural ally. Complaints have also surfaced about his prioritization of his own party's interests over those of BJP MLAs, further complicating his position within the alliance. As Pawar navigates these challenges, he must balance improving his party's performance while maintaining a secular image and effectively coordinating with the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. The upcoming Assembly elections will serve as a critical test of his political strategy and voter support.