Sharad Pawar clueless on why Ajit quit as MLA, says no feud in family

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Friday said he was clueless as to why his nephew Ajit Pawar resigned as party MLA, adding that there was no feud within the family. He, however, said Ajit Pawar's son told him that the former Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister was "restless" after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) named the NCP patriarch in a money laundering case. Talking to reporters, the former Union minister also dismissed reports of a feud within the Pawar family.

"There is no feud. My decision is the last word in all family matters," he added.

READ: Sharad Pawar Cancels Visit To ED Office, Cites Law & Order Concern

"When I meet Ajit I will ask him the reason for his extreme decision," Pawar said. Pawar also said he is a "fighter" and will fight the money laundering case filed against him in connection with the MSC bank scam.

"He (Ajit Pawar) did not discuss the resignation issue with anyone of us. I do not have even an iota of a clue as to why did he take that decision...he has been unreachable since," Pawar said.

"I spoke to his son, who told me that his father was restless as he felt that because of him, the name of his uncle, that is me, was dragged in the bank scam despite me having nothing to do with it. I will look into this (Ajit's resignation) as the family head," Pawar said.

The ED has filed the case against Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar and 70 others in connection with the bank scam. The NCP Chief said Ajit Pawar advised his son to not venture into politics, but to get into business or agriculture.

Sanjay Raut: ED Should've Discussed Sharad Pawar's Name With Govt

"We are working in different fields. But we come together on the occasion of Diwali, discuss future plans and my decision is considered as final," he said. Parth Pawar, Ajit Pawar's son, took to Twitter and said:

Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade said Ajit Pawar has resigned as an MLA and the same has been accepted.

READ: Anna Hazare Says He's Surprised Over Sharad Pawar's Name In Bank Scam

Ajit Pawar resigns

In a shocking development ahead of Maharashtra Assembly elections, NCP leader and Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar on Friday resigned as the MLA from Baramati. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde accepted his resignation. Pawar tendered his resignation after he and Sharad Pawar were named by ED in a money-laundering case in the MSCB Scam Case. 

READ: Rahul Gandhi Questions Timing As ED Names Sharad Pawar In Bank Scam