Munde-Pawar spat continues as BJP workers burn Pawar's effigy

Mumbai, May 28 (UNI) The spat between Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde refuses to die down with BJP workers burnt effigyies of Mr Pawar at 43 places in Maharashtra - particularly in Nanded, Latur and other places in Marathwada today.

Mr Pawar, while addressing a press conference here two days ago, had countered Mr Munde's allegation that he was concentrating more on cricket than agriculture by saying that cricket was a recreational activity for him and the game gave him peace of mind, and he looked into cricket issues only on weekends.

Other people find recreation in visiting Chaufula, Mr Pawar had remarked.

Chaufula in Pune, incidentally, is famous for 'tamasha' theatres and Mr Munde's association with a 'tamasha' artiste had come to the fore a few years back. Mr Pawar's remarks apparently alluded to this association.

Taking exception to these remarks by the Union Agriculture Minister Mr Munde has said such remarks are not befitting a national leader of Mr Pawar's stature.

A release issued by BJP spokesman Ganesh Hake said the BJP would continue its agitation till the farmers were given compensation of Rs 40,000 per hactor for uncrushed sugarcane.

On May 31, the BJP would organise a state-wide agitation on the isse of sugarcane and power and would also 'gherao' the tehsil offices, the release added.

UNI