Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated on Monday that currently, there is "no alternative" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country. Responding to questions from reporters about opposition parties planning to challenge PM Modi's leadership ahead of the Lok Sabha polls next year, Mr. Pawar emphasized that the decision is based on various aspects, not just a few.

"As of now, there is no alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country. Such a decision is taken based on various aspects and not just one or two things," Mr. Pawar said.

Addressing the media, he remarked, "You people do a lot of propaganda." Mr. Pawar highlighted the importance of factors such as who will protect the country's interests, in whose hands the country will be safer and stronger, and who raised the country's image at the international stage.

"We have also seen results (of recent assembly polls) in three states - Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. A guess before the elections does not mean results will be the same," he added, referring to the BJP winning polls in these three states.

Regarding opposition parties organizing rallies in Pune district against the state government, Mr. Pawar mentioned that a Lok Sabha MP from the NCP had expressed willingness to step down. Referring to Amol Kolhe, the Lok Sabha member from Shirur constituency in Pune who supports the NCP camp led by Sharad Pawar, he stated, "When we gave him a ticket in 2019, he was popular because he played the role of Sambhaji Maharaj (in a TV serial) and was a good orator." Ajit Pawar asserted that he has decided on an alternative candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, expressing confidence that the candidate will win the seat for sure. Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP leaders joined the Eknath Shinde-led state government in July this year.

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