Pune: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has dismissed the recent controversy sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's veiled criticism of NCP leader Sharad Pawar during a rally in Pune.

Referring to Pawar as a "restless soul" causing instability, Modi's comments had stirred reactions from within the NCP. However, Ajit Pawar chose not to dwell on the matter, stating that the past is "water under the bridge" and emphasizing that the focus will now be solely on development.

Speaking to the media on August 10, after offering prayers at the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi, Ajit Pawar indicated that any discussions about internal matters within the Mahayuti would be handled internally.

He also noted the positive response they have been receiving from the public during their ongoing yatra and reiterated that their focus would remain on development, steering clear of any other issues.

During the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held several public rallies in Pune city and district to campaign for the candidates. One such rally took place at the Racecourse ground in Wanawadi, Pune.

During his speech, Prime Minister Modi, without naming anyone, took a sharp dig at the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar.

Referring to him as a "restless soul," Modi targeted Pawar by saying, "Those whose dreams remain unfulfilled continue to wander. The game of creating instability began 45 years ago due to personal ambitions, which brought instability to Maharashtra.

Since then, many Chief Ministers have not been able to complete their terms. They are destabilizing not only their party but also their family along with the opposition. Even in 1995, when the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance came to power, that 'soul' was destabilizing the government. Now, this 'soul' is not just destabilizing the state but the entire country."

Following Modi's remarks, many leaders from Sharad Pawar's faction criticized the Prime Minister and the BJP.