Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, addressing a series of rallies on Saturday, accused BJP of indulging in divisive politics and, without naming agriculture minister Dhananjay Munde, counted him among three people responsible for the split in NCP.
Pawar addressed rallies in Latur’s Udgir, and Beed’s Parli and Ashti constituencies on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Pawar spoke to reporters in Nanded. Reacting to the “Batenge to Katenge” slogan, Sharad Pawar said: “Elections come and go, but no one should sow seeds of discord between castes and religions. Unfortunately, BJP and its allies are indifferent to this responsibility.” He said politicians like Yogi Adityanath are brought in to campiagn in Maharashtra specifically for communal polarisation.”
Sharad Pawar also spoke about the internal disruptions in NCP and stated that three individuals fuelled mistrust and weakened the party. “There were two or three key figures who worked to sow the seeds of division and undermine trust within the party and the community. Those who split the party must be defeated in the upcoming elections,” he told the audience at the Parli rally and urged voters to elect Rajesaheb Deshmukh. Parli is represented by Munde.
In Nanded, he criticised BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan, accusing him of aligning with opposition ideologies for political expediency. “The Chavan family has held prominent positions in Congress – from chief minister to defence minister. What more could be offered? People are aware of these opportunistic moves and will respond accordingly,” he said. Pawar drew a contrast with Shankarrao Chavan, who maintained his commitment to Congress principles even when establishing a separate faction.
In Udgir, Pawar highlighted the deteriorating condition of farmers under current govt. “For the past 10-12 years, Narendra Modi govt has been in place, yet farmers’ condition has worsened. Despite efforts to become self-sufficient, especially in agricultural processing industries, current govt’s policies have undone much of that progress.” Pawar lauded late Vilasrao Deshmukh for fostering industry in Latur, emphasizing that balanced growth in both agriculture and manufacturing was essential.
In Parli, Pawar’s speech was particularly sharp. Speaking at a rally for NCP candidate Rajesaheb Deshmukh, he said, “It has been some time since I last visited Parli. Recently, lawlessness and ‘gundagiri’ have increased here. Beed once supported all our MLAs, but power has gone to the heads of certain individuals too quickly, leading to hardship for the people. This must stop.” He added, “When power is acquired, it must be wielded responsibly and with humility. Some have lost sight of that.”
In Ashti, Pawar turned his focus to youth unemployment while rallying support for party candidate Mahboob Shaikh, the state youth president of NCP (SCP). “Unemployment has forced Beed’s youths to migrate for work in MIDCs across Maharashtra,” he said, criticising PM Modi’s govt for failing to fulfil employment promises. Pawar urged voters to support the MVA coalition to facilitate job creation and local growth.