The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief, Sharad Pawar, has questioned the “stature” of Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan in his party after he criticized the NCP for fielding its candidates in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls. Mr. Chavan had earlier expressed disagreement with Mr. Pawar’s claim that the Congress leadership was stubborn during the talks for the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi in 2019.
Speaking to reporters in Satara, Mr. Pawar stated that Mr. Chavan should check what stature he has in his own party, whether it is A, B, C, or D. He added that any colleague from Mr. Chavan’s party would tell them in private. Regarding the NCP’s decision to field candidates in Karnataka, Mr. Pawar explained that his party aimed to expand its base in the state and that they did not hold any discussions with the Congress or other allies there as they wanted to start from scratch.
He added that when there is an alliance with another party, it is important to provide strength to that party, but as they were starting from scratch, they couldn’t give any assurances of providing support. Mr. Pawar further noted that his party is contesting limited seats in Karnataka, ensuring that it will not adversely affect the Congress’s prospects.
When asked about slogans like “Bajrangbali ki Jai” raised by some political leaders during the Karnataka poll campaign, Mr. Pawar claimed that seeking votes in the name of caste and religion is a breach of the oath taken by a person after becoming an elected representative. He added that secularism and democracy are keywords in the oath and expressed surprise that the country’s Prime Minister puts forth this kind of a stand before the people.
Mr. Pawar further added that the government should tell him what they have done in the last five years as the power was in their hands. He stated that everywhere people talk about 40 percent commission, and the Congress recently said that the people of Karnataka will guarantee the end of the “BJP’s 40 percent Commission Sarkar” on May 10, and all the promises of the Congress will be implemented.
Mr. Pawar’s statements suggest that there is a rift between Congress and the NCP, with Mr. Chavan’s comments sparking a response from Mr. Pawar. Additionally, Mr. Pawar’s comments on the use of caste and religion in seeking votes suggest that he is against the politicization of such factors in elections.
