Fri Feb 21 18:11:33 UTC 2025: ## Sharad Pawar Claims Pivotal Role in 1999 Vajpayee Government Fall
**New Delhi, February 22, 2025** – Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar has claimed responsibility for the defeat of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1999, stating he secured a single crucial vote that led to the no-confidence motion’s success. Pawar, speaking at a book launch event in Delhi, recounted how he negotiated with a government member during a ten-minute recess, resulting in the government’s downfall.
The revelation has sparked a political firestorm, with BJP leaders vehemently rejecting Pawar’s account. BJP’s Atul Bhatkhalkar accused Pawar of engaging in “horse-trading” and undermining political values, contrasting his actions with the BJP’s alleged refusal to resort to similar tactics in 2008. Bhatkhalkar also challenged Shiv Sena UBT leaders, who were present at Pawar’s speech, to condemn his actions, highlighting Balasaheb Thackeray’s past support for the Vajpayee government.
Pawar’s statement, made alongside Shiv Sena UBT leaders Sanjay Raut and Anil Desai, comes as he shared a platform with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this week. The timing and the BJP’s strong rebuttal suggest the incident will further fuel ongoing political tensions in Maharashtra.
First Piper 