In a strong and unequivocal response, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar addressed the alleged threats made by NCP’s Maval assembly constituency MLA Sunil Shelke, cautioning party members against attending the NCP convention in Lonavala. Pawar minced no words as he asserted, “Should such threats persist, let me tell you, I am Sharad Pawar, and I won’t spare anyone.”
The veteran leader went on to question MLA Sunil Shelke, stating, “Whose efforts led to your becoming an MLA? Who addressed the rallies in 2019, and who was the president of the party then? I had signed the AB form, and today, you are threatening those who worked for your victory.”
While allegations of intimidation have been made by Pawar in the past, this marked the first time he spoke sternly against such actions. Following a day-long meeting with party workers on February 27 in Pune, where discussions around the Baramati constituency took place, Pawar had earlier voiced concerns about alleged threats faced by his party members from the opposition and had assured them protection.
The NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar refuted Sharad Pawar’s claims, dismissing them as political statements. NCP chief spokesperson Umesh Patil stated, “Why would our party workers issue threats? It is a political statement.”
In addition to addressing internal party matters, Sharad Pawar took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), likening it to a “washing machine” that individuals facing corruption charges can join to “get clean.” This analogy was originally made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Pawar criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting instances where BJP welcomed individuals facing corruption allegations into the party. He emphasized the need for accountability, challenging the ruling party to appoint a Supreme Court judge when corruption allegations surfaced.
As the political tension unfolds, Pawar’s firm stance against threats within his party and his scrutiny of BJP’s actions adds a new dimension to the political landscape.
