As Maharashtra prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, the political battle between the Mahayuti and Mahavikas Aghadi alliances intensifies. In a significant development, veteran leader Sharad Pawar of the Pawar faction held a major rally in Chiplun, marking his first such appearance in the region in nearly 18 years. Addressing a large gathering at the Freedom Savarkar Maidan, Pawar made bold claims regarding the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a captivating speech, Pawar reflected on the legacy of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, contrasting their leadership with the current administration. Sharing an anecdote from his time in Russia during Indira Gandhi’s tenure, Pawar illustrated the dignity with which she represented India. “When I went to Russia, an official recounted an incident when Indira Gandhi landed in Moscow. She wasn’t greeted by the Prime Minister or any high-ranking officials, only a Deputy Minister. She chose to stay at the house of the Indian Ambassador, and when the Russian leadership later apologized, Indira Gandhi said, ‘I represent 80 crore Indians, and their respect matters more than my personal welcome,’” Pawar narrated.
He then drew parallels to the present day, criticizing the Modi government’s remarks about the Gandhi family. “Indira Gandhi was assassinated, and today, the Prime Minister accuses this family of robbing the country. Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed everything for the nation, and yet, his family is vilified. Sonia Gandhi, despite being a widow and facing such attacks, chose to stay and work for the country. They remain committed to India’s welfare, but the Prime Minister calls them corrupt,” Pawar questioned, reflecting on how such statements are made.
Pawar further criticized those in power for allegedly misusing their authority, urging a shift in governance. “Those who hold power today are misusing it, and the real issues of the people are not being addressed. This nation needs change,” he said. Addressing the 2019 general elections, he pointed out that PM Modi had boasted of securing over 400 seats, yet received only 240. He credited two regional leaders, Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh and Nitish Kumar of Bihar, for enabling Modi to form a government at the center.
“If it weren’t for the support of Chief Ministers like Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, the Modi government would not have been formed in Delhi,” Pawar asserted, highlighting the crucial role these leaders played in the BJP’s rise to power.
With assembly elections on the horizon, Pawar’s words are bound to stir the political landscape of Maharashtra, setting the stage for a heated contest between rival coalitions.