Mumbai: NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Wednesday lashed out at the BJP for spreading hatred in the society and said that his party shall strive to create a public opinion against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the BJP. “Social hatred had been the thing upon which the BJP always thrived. Its politics had always remained divisive,” Pawar said, adding that he is planning to address two grand rallies on national level for that.
Addressing a presser in Aurangabad on Wednesday, he said, “We have started to rebuild the party (after Ajit Pawar and his cohort joined the ruling alliance and led to a vertical split).” The political stalwart is scheduled to address a public rally in Beed tomorrow.
While reacting to questions regarding his meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Pune, he said, it was not a secret meeting. “I am not afraid of anyone. I got down from the car in full media glare. I accepted a bouquet. It was all in front of the media. I am never afraid of anyone,” Pawar said. However, he avoided commenting on Ajit Pawar. “I won’t speak to small people,” he said, adding that any family member can always approach him with a home-related issue.
When asked about the claims made by a former CM about the 'offer of a berth in the Union cabinet', he said, “Nothing of that sort was discussed there in the meeting (with Ajit Pawar).” Pawar also blamed the BJP of using the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to generate a split in other parties. “The decisions used to be made by politicians earlier. Now, I hear they are being done by the ED. The agency decides who should join which party,” he added.
While commenting on the national politics, Pawar expressed concern over the condition in Manipur, saying PM Modi should have gone there to boost morale of the people. He also taunted Modi over his confidence that he will be addressing the people from red fort next year. “The political situation is not in his favour. So, whatever might be his claims about coming back to power, he is likely to meet the fate of Devendra Fadnavis,” Pawar quipped.
Buzz after 'secret' meeting between Sharad and Ajit Pawar
The previous week witnessed a stir in political circles when regional news channels broadcasted footage of Sharad Pawar visiting the residence of a Pune-based businessman on Saturday. Subsequently, Ajit Pawar was seen departing from the same location, igniting speculation about a clandestine meeting between the two.
However, the prominent figures of the NCP, who had a falling out earlier this year, attempted to downplay the significance of the meeting.
Congress alleges 'offer' from BJP to Sharad Pawar
Earlier in the day, Prithviraj Chavan, the former Chief Minister and Congress leader, was cited by certain media reports stating that the BJP had been making attempts to entice Sharad Pawar away from the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition by proposing a role in the Union Cabinet.
Chavan indicated that the secretive meeting between the Pawars at a businessman's bungalow centered around this proposition. He asserted that the senior Pawar had been presented with the option of the agriculture ministry and the position of Chairman of the NITI Aayog.
Furthermore, Chavan revealed that central Cabinet positions were also extended to Pawar's daughter, Supriya Sule, and NCP leader Jayant Patil, both of whom were present at the aforementioned meeting. Chavan clarified that Sharad Pawar had declined the BJP's offer.
Discussions within Cong, Sena about fighting polls without NCP
Previously, there were indications that the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) were considering an alternative strategy, often referred to as "Plan B," which involves participating in the upcoming 2024 general election without the involvement of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar.
Expressing their dissatisfaction, both the Congress and the Sena (UBT) have openly expressed concerns about the frequent interactions between the Pawars. Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray is expected to engage in a conversation with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss the MVA alliance and Pawar's recent activities. Patole, who engaged in a meeting lasting over two and a half hours with Thackeray and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday, has already communicated with Gandhi on the matter.
