In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, strongly criticized a controversial statement made by Shiv Sena minister Tanaji Sawant, who expressed discomfort sitting next to NCP members in Mahayuti and claimed to feel nauseous. NCP's chief spokesperson, Umesh Patil, deemed Sawant's remarks derogatory and detrimental to the alliance's image among supporters. Patil emphasized that the NCP is not powerless and must take a stand against such insults to maintain credibility with its base. He urged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to remove Sawant from the cabinet, suggesting that NCP ministers should boycott cabinet meetings until this action is taken. The opposition also weighed in, challenging the NCP to leave the Mahayuti alliance as a display of self-respect. In response, Shiv Sena distanced itself from Sawant's comments, clarifying that they do not represent the party's official stance.