Mumbai: Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, mentioned in a report by news agency PTI on December 25 that there is currently no alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in light of the impending Lok Sabha elections. Addressing queries regarding opposition parties' intentions to challenge Modi's leadership, Pawar highlighted the complexity of such decisions, underlining that they depend on multiple aspects.

"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," Pawar said, cautioning against the extensive ‘propaganda’ by the media.

Pawar added that the aspects he referred to include 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.’

Referring to the recent assembly poll outcomes in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where the BJP secured victories, Pawar cautioned against premature assumptions. "We have also seen results in three states - Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. A guesswork before the elections does not mean results will be the same," he cautioned.

Regarding opposition rallies against the state government in Pune district, Pawar hinted at a potential change in their roster for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He mentioned that an NCP Lok Sabha MP from Pune, Amol Kolhe, had expressed his desire to step down. Following this, Pawar said, "I have decided on an alternative to him (in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls), and I can tell you now that my candidate will win the seat for sure.” These comments made by Ajit Pawar come as part of the political discourse ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.