After polling the highest number of votes in the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, BJP general secretary Gopinath Munde said the 'Sharad Pawar magic failed to work in the state.'
"Pawar tried desperately to ensure my defeat but not only did I get more votes than he did, I also emerged as the candidate getting the maximum votes in the state," Munde said.
Munde, who trounced NCPs Ramesh Adaskar in Beed, secured 5,53,994 votes, considerably more than what Pawar polled (5,30,596) in Maadha constituency. Even NCP candidate from Satara, Udayanraje Bhosle (5,32,583) polled more than the NCP chief.
"Had Pawar and other NCP ministers concentrated on other constituencies, their party could have salvaged some seats. Instead, they stayed put in Beed as I was their prime target," Munde said.
"Pawar's dream to become Prime Minister will remain the same a dream," he said. "The biggest joke in the state is now Pawar's Prime Ministerial ambition," he added.
A state BJP functionary said Munde, besides being the highest vote-getter in Maharashtra, is among the top 10 highest vote grossing candidates in the country during the Lok Sabha elections.