Sharad Pawar Slams BJP's Allegations On Maratha Quota Activist

NCP president Sharad Pawar has dismissed the BJPs allegations that he was involved in Maratha quota activist Manoj Jaranges controversial statements, terming them as childish. Pawar stated that he had only spoken to Jarange once and advised him to maintain unity between communities. He challenged the government to check his call records for verification.

In a recent turn of events, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar has vehemently dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) accusations that he is the mastermind behind Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's controversial statements. Pawar, while reviewing election preparations in his home turf, the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, asserted that he had only spoken to Jarange once, and the government could verify his call records if necessary.

Pawar's Response to BJP's Claims

Responding to state BJP leaders' claims that Jarange was merely echoing Pawar's script, the veteran leader expressed surprise and disappointment. He emphasized that he had not heard such baseless statements before and questioned the maturity of those making such allegations. Pawar clarified that when Jarange launched his indefinite fast for Maratha quota last year, he was among the first politicians to meet him. During that meeting, Pawar advised Jarange to ensure there was no division between communities, and that was their first and last conversation.

SIT Probe Ordered

Earlier in the day, assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar directed the government to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate Jarange's remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Jarange had alleged that Fadnavis was attempting to harm him. However, Fadnavis stated in the House that he had no personal complaints against Jarange, but the SIT would determine whose script the activist was following.

Allegations Against Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Tope

In the legislative council, BJP legislator Pravin Darekar made serious allegations against Sharad Pawar, Rohit Pawar, and Jalna MLA Rajesh Tope, all leaders of the NCP. Darekar claimed that these individuals had met with Jarange and orchestrated the unrest in the state. Pawar vehemently defended Tope, stating that the allegation was baseless. He highlighted that the state government had sought Tope's assistance in resolving the issue, given his familiarity with Jarange's district. Pawar questioned the logic of seeking Tope's help while simultaneously leveling accusations against him.

Pawar's Challenge and Political Ambitions

Regarding the demand for an SIT probe, Pawar asserted that he had no fear of an investigation, even by a Supreme Court judge, if he had done nothing wrong. He challenged the authorities to examine phone records and prove any communication between him and Jarange. Pawar also addressed speculations about his political opponents attempting to confine him to campaigning in Baramati during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He dismissed this strategy, stating that he had successfully contested 14 elections from Baramati, including seven state assembly elections, and there was no reason to believe he would be limited this time.

In response to questions about Sunetra Pawar, the wife of his nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, frequently visiting Baramati and participating in public programs ahead of the elections, Pawar maintained that everyone had the right to political aspirations in a democracy. He expressed no concern about Sunetra Pawar's activities, despite rumors that she might contest from Baramati as the NCP candidate, potentially challenging the incumbent MP and Pawar's daughter, Supriya Sule.