Jay Pawar denies MLC candidature

Mumbai: Deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar’s younger son, Jay, has denied rumours that he is being fielded for the upcoming MLC polls in Maharashtra from NCP.In a post on a social media platform on Monday, Jay stated, “I will not contest the local self-government institution elections. I have complete faith that the party leadership will certainly select efficient candidates who are honest, visionary and possess leadership qualities.”Referring to his father, the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, Jay said, “Respected Dada’s development-oriented ideology and commitment to public welfare will be carried forward. The party will definitely present before the people a face that will firmly work for resolving pending issues and for the welfare of the common man.”While Jay’s name emerged in connection to the polls which will be held on June 18, a key factor which stood in the way is the fact that his candidature would lead to allegations of nepotism in the party. While Sunetra has been elected as the MLA from Baramati, a seat which fell vacant after Ajit Pawar’s death, her elder son, Parth, is a Rajya Sabha MP.Meanwhile, NCP MLC Idris Naikwadi denied reports that the party had asked him to submit his resignation. “I have not been asked to resign by anyone in the party. I am not taking this seriously.”