Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has said he made a mistake by fielding his wife Sunetra Pawar against his cousin Supriya Sule in the recent Lok Sabha polls.
One should not allow politics to enter home, Ajit Pawar, who is currently on a statewide 'Jan Samman Yatra', told Marathi news channel Jai Maharashtra.
As part of his mass outreach programme ahead of the state assembly polls, the deputy CM has been promoting the government's 'Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana', aimed at providing financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month to women.
In the Lok Sabha elections held earlier this year, Sunetra Pawar unsuccessfully contested the election from Baramati seat against sitting NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, daughter of Ajit Pawar's uncle Sharad Pawar.
Sunetra Pawar was later elected to the Rajya Sabha.
In July last year, Ajit Pawar and a number of other MLAs joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government, leading to a split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founded Sharad Pawar.
The Election Commission later declared the Ajit-led group as the real NCP.
"I love all my sisters. One shouldn't allow politics to enter homes. I made a mistake in fielding Sunetra against my sister. This shouldn't have happened. But the parliamentary board (of NCP) made a decision. Now I feel it was wrong," Ajit Pawar said.
Asked if he will visit his cousin on Raksha Bandhan next week, the NCP leader said he is currently on a tour and if he and his sisters are at one place that day, he would surely meet them.
The deputy CM said he has decided to speak only on development and welfare schemes for farmers, women and youth and not respond to criticism against him.
Ajit Pawar also said Sharad Pawar is a senior leader and head of their family and he would not respond to any criticism made by the latter.
On the senior Pawar being targeted by the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena, the NCP leader said the Mahayuti allies should also understand what they speak.
"I voice my opinion when we sit together," he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Why BJP's Maharashtra Mandate Is Historic, Decodes NDTV's Sanjay Pugalia
Ajit (Is) Dada In Pawar vs Pawar In Maharashtra, Leads In Family Stronghold Fact Check: Did BJP Share Fake Audio Clip Of Supriya Sule? AI Detection Tools Say... CBI Begins Probe In Maharashtra Poll-Linked 'Bitcoin Scam', Issues Summons Election Results 2024 LIVE: With Thumping Win, Maharashtra Decides Real NCP, Sena Election Results: PM Modi Lauds ‘Historic Mandate’ In Maharashtra Jharkhand Election Results 2024 LIVE Updates: INDIA Bloc Wins 30 Seats Ministry of Education Inviting Applications For Deputy Secretary Few Takers For NOTA As Maharashtra, Jharkhand Elections Results Come In Horse's Head Terror Echoes The Godfather In Sicilian Mafia Intimidation Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.