Sharad Pawar, the prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), delivered a sharp critique of the Narendra Modi government on Friday, November 8, 2024. Speaking at a rally in Jintur, Parbhani, Pawar accused the government of having a primary agenda to protect those involved in corruption and to secure power through collusion with corrupt elements.
Pawar’s accusations were bolstered by a statement from NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, a member of the Ajit Pawar-led faction. He pointed out that when Bhujbal was asked why he joined the ruling alliance, he reportedly replied that he wanted to avoid jail time, stating, “If we do not want to go to jail, then we have to join Modi.” This assertion, according to Pawar, underscores the government’s misuse of power to suppress opposition and fabricate charges against political rivals.
“Protecting those involved in corruption and forming alliances with them for power is the single-point agenda of Modi and his team,” Pawar declared.
In contrast, Bhujbal refuted Pawar’s claims, asserting that his decision to align with the BJP-led alliance was not motivated by a desire to evade scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate. Bhujbal had joined the Eknath Shinde government in July 2023, resulting in a split within the NCP.
Pawar further criticized the government’s policies, contending that they are harmful to farmers and women’s safety. He highlighted that while the previous Congress-NCP government waived farmer loans worth ₹70,000 crore, the current administration’s policies have led to financial strain for farmers, particularly with low prices for soybean and cotton. He condemned the government’s decision to ban sugar exports as detrimental to farmers.
Addressing the pressing issue of women’s safety, Pawar noted the disturbing rise in violence against women, citing the recent sexual assault of two schoolgirls in Badlapur. He also mentioned MP Fauzia Khan’s concerns regarding missing women in the state.
Pawar questioned the government’s integrity by referencing the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Malvan, Sindhudurg, in August 2024. He alleged that the government’s claim that the statue fell due to strong winds was a cover-up for corruption.
With the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled for November 20, 2024, the state is experiencing a fierce political contest. The ruling alliance, comprised of the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, is facing off against the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the NCP (SP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Congress. Pawar’s strong accusations and criticisms are likely to escalate the political campaign in the lead-up to the elections.
