Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar has expressed surprise at PM Modi’s use of religious slogans during election campaigning in Karnataka. Pawar stated that bringing religion into an election campaign creates a different type of environment, and it is not a good thing. He added that the concept of secularism has been accepted, and when religion is taken up as a political issue, it is detrimental to the democratic process.
Pawar made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Pandharpur temple town over the weekend. He also claimed that the Congress party would come to power in Karnataka. According to the NCP chief, democratic values and secularism should be the guiding principles of an election campaign.
Pawar’s comments come during the ongoing assembly elections in Karnataka, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing a tough challenge from the Congress party. The BJP has been criticized by opposition parties for allegedly using religious slogans during campaigning.
Apart from commenting on the election campaign, Pawar also addressed the ongoing agitation at Barsu village in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district. A section of locals in the area is opposing a mega oil refinery project, and Pawar expressed his desire to visit the place to better understand the situation.
“I had a meeting with representatives of Barsu villagers. I will hold another meeting with experts. I feel the issue should be taken forward by taking the villagers into confidence,” he said.
Pawar’s statements on the use of religion in election campaigns and his willingness to engage with the villagers in Ratnagiri district demonstrate his commitment to democratic values and secularism. His emphasis on taking the villagers’ opinions into account also highlights his approach to governance, which prioritizes the interests of the people.
As the head of a regional political party, Pawar’s views on national issues carry significant weight, and his comments on the use of religion in election campaigns will likely be scrutinized by political commentators across the country. His stance on the Barsu village agitation also indicates his willingness to engage with local issues and seek solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
