This refers to the news report "Sharad Pawar vows to fight back" (July 4), the recent political changes in Maharashtra have not only changed the power equations there but will also have an impact on politics beyond Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar’s defection is no surprise. The power hungry NCP leader was keen to join the BJP-led alliance and even after his 3-day marriage with the BJP failed in 2109 , there was clear evidence where his loyalties and aspirations lay. Above all, the pressure from the ED over corruption cases also must have weighed on him just as it has worked on his co-defectors. Interestingly, PM Modi had recently castigated the NCP leaders by calling them corrupt. Sadly the same leaders have been admitted into the coalition led by his party. The developments in Maharashtra have serious implications for the national Opposition, which is trying to regroup in view of the 2024 General Election. Much will depend on how Pawar handles the current challenge in the twilight of his political career.
