Pawar follows nephew Ajit''s steps against media

Mumbai, Feb 10 (PTI) Expressing disappointment over hisportrayal by media during the recent onion crisis, AgricultureMinister Sharad Pawar today seemed to join chorus with nephewand Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar whose remarkson media have led to a major controversy.

"When onion prices increased, they (media) displayed myphoto, saying I brought tears to the eyes of the masses.

Yesterday, when onion prices fell, again my photo was shown,saying what am I doing (on falling prices)," Pawar said.

"So, henceforth how much to speak to you (media).. It isbetter to stay away," Pawar told reporters at Satara inwestern Maharashtra.

Media in Maharashtra is at loggerheads with Ajit Pawarand there is an ongoing agitation by journalists, whichincludes non-coverage of his functions, against his remarks ata function in Nanded district.

The Deputy Chief Minister, last week, had criticised themedia for allegedly indulging in untruths and half-truths andsuggested a gag on those indulging in such methods.

Journalists boycotted Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan''sweekly media briefing yesterday following a call by thePatrakar Halla Virodhi Kruti Samiti, which is spearheadingthe agitation.

The Samiti has sought an unconditional apology from AjitPawar, but the only explanation the latter has offered so faris to the Chief Minister in the form of a letter.

In Pune today, reporters stopped writing while theelectronic media switched off TV cameras when Ajit Pawar cameon the dais to speak, at a function in honour of legendaryvocalist late Bhimsen Joshi.