In what may be seen as signs of friction within the NDA, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on Friday distanced itself from UP CM Yogi Adityanath's slogan 'Batenge Toh Katenge'. Criticising the slogan, Pawar said that such statements come from "outside" individuals, arguing that Maharashtra has always upheld communal harmony. Yogi Adityanath had campaigned in Maharashtra on Wednesday for a Mahayuti candidate."Nobody should compare Maharashtra with other states. People here have always ensured communal harmony. Some from outside come here and make statements, but Maharashtra has never accepted any communal division. The state follows the secular ideology of Shahu (Maharaj), (Jyotiba) Phule, and (Babasaheb) Ambedkar," Pawar said, without directly naming Yogi Adityanath.Ajit Pawar added that he would campaign for party candidate Nawab Malik who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. Malik is currently out on bail and is the NCP candidate from the Mankhurd-Shivajinagar seat. CM Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena has also fielded a candidate there.While both are Mahayuti candidates, the BJP is backing Shinde's candidate and has ruled out campaigning for Malik.On the allegations against Malik, Ajit Pawar said, "None of the allegations made against Malik has been proven. He cannot be held guilty on the basis of allegations. I will campaign for him."