'Where Is Modi's Guarantee': Sharad Pawar Hits Out At Centre, Challenges Scam Allegations

Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) Sharad Pawar criticized the current government's approach, stating that the Prime Minister's direction diverges from the nation's interests. 

File photo of former Maharashtra CM Sharad Pawar ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: Sharad Pawar faction NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday hit out at PM Modi stating, "the guarantee or promises given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of the country was never fulfilled." He was speaking at the first gathering of the workers of the opposition's I.N.D.I.A bloc in Pune, a program which was also attended by Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sachin Ahir.

According to PTI, Sharad Pawar called the gathering historic and emphasised the potential for change in Maharashtra and the nation in the upcoming elections. He later criticised the current government's approach, stating that the Prime Minister's direction diverges from the nation's interests. 

He further alluded to the ongoing farmer's protest, saying, "Farmers have been protesting against the Union government for more than a year but it is not paying attention to them."

'Where is Modi's guarantee', Sharad Pawar Takes A Jibe At PM Modi

"Where is Modi's guarantee today? PM Modi gave multiple assurances but they were never fulfilled", PTI quoted Pawar as saying.

In response to Prime Minister Modi's accusation labeling the NCP as a corrupt party, veteran politician Sharad Pawar asserted that, "I challenge this statement. If there's any kind of scam in the Maharashtra Cooperative Bank or irrigation projects, let there be an inquiry."

Pawar specifically cited the Maharashtra Cooperative Bank and irrigation projects as areas where the government should conduct inquiries to substantiate its claims. He expressed concern over what he perceives as the misuse of power by the ruling government, citing the arrests of opposition leaders and the involvement of agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax, reported PTI.

In a statement addressing concerns over the rampant trade of narcotic drugs, Congress leader Nana Patole emphasised the need to protect the people of the state from this menace. He criticised the state government for making assurances regarding reservation for the Maratha and Dhangar communities but failing to deliver on those promises.

Patole further accused the Eknath Shinde-led regime of exacerbating tensions between the Maratha and OBC communities. Asserting that it was time for change, he called for the removal of the BJP from power, alleging that the party had committed numerous transgressions, as per PTI.

Fadnavis Claims Says Ajit Pawar Prompted Sharad Pawar's Visit to Raigad Fort

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, hinted at political motivations behind Sharad Pawar's visit to the historic Raigad Fort after a four-decade hiatus.

Fadnavis credited NCP leader and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for his uncle's visit, implying a strategic move amidst political dynamics. Raigad Fort, significant in Maratha history as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's chosen capital, witnessed Pawar's unveiling of the symbol for his faction, 'man blowing trumpet', assigned by the Election Commission.

#WATCH | Raigad, Maharashtra: NCP (SCP) launches its party's new symbol 'man blowing tura' in the presence of party chief Sharad Pawar. pic.twitter.com/yX6scDHV8Q

— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2024

Fadnavis suggested that Ajit Pawar's stance last July prompted Sharad Pawar's rare return to the fort after four decades. "After Ajit dada took a stand (to join the state government last July), Sharad Pawar visited Raigad fort for the first time in the last 40 years. Credit goes to Ajit Pawar," he said, as per PTI.