In a fierce political exchange, Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut have joined the fray, taking contrasting stances in the ongoing spat between Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The controversy erupted following Shah?s recent label of Pawar as the "ringleader of corruption," which has sparked significant debate and counterclaims.
Goyal, the Union Commerce Minister, strongly defended Shah in response to Pawar?s remarks. Addressing reporters, Goyal asserted, ?The Supreme Court of India had relieved Shah from all the false cases registered against him. A conspiracy was hatched against Shah during the UPA government and Pawar was a part of that conspiracy.? He emphasized that the apex court had acknowledged the existence of a conspiracy aimed at implicating Shah in false cases, a situation exacerbated by the UPA government?s actions and its investigating agencies. Goyal demanded an apology from Pawar, stating that the NCP leader?s comments were both misleading and unjustified.
Adding fuel to the fire, BJP MP and former Union Minister Bhagwat Karad also criticized Pawar?s statements. Karad argued, ?Pawar should have known the Supreme Court order before making allegations against Amit Shah.? His comments further solidified the BJP's defense of Shah and highlighted the legal backdrop of the ongoing controversy.
Conversely, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut took a more critical stance. Raut not only defended Pawar?s comments but also questioned the legitimacy of Shah?s past. He remarked, ?Wasn't the Supreme Court ordered to run the cases against Shah outside Gujarat? Wasn't Shah in jail for some time?? Raut alleged that Shah?s legal troubles were only resolved after the Modi government assumed power, implying that the current administration had a role in clearing Shah?s name.
The origins of the dispute trace back to Shah?s recent visit to Pune, where he inaugurated the 'Jansawand Yatra' of the BJP. During the event, Shah had described Pawar as the "ringleader of corruption," a comment that prompted Pawar to respond with criticism. Pawar highlighted that Shah had been externed from Gujarat by the Supreme Court due to alleged misuse of law, questioning how someone with such a past could lead a significant ministry.
