Maharashtra: War of words between Eknath Shinde camp and NCP over Sharad Pawar’s role in breaking Shiv Sena

The Shinde camp Nationalist Congress Party on Wednesday were engaged in a war of words over Sharad Pawar’s alleged role in breaking Shiv Sena in the last three decades. The Shinde camp spokesman Deepak Kesarkar, who was earlier in the NCP before joining the Shiv Sena, claimed that Pawar was behind the split in Shiv Sena especially when Chagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane and Raj Thackeray parted ways in the past.

‘’Why did he break the Shiv Sena? Why was Balasaheb Thackeray tortured when he was alive? He (Pawar) should also give the answer to the people of Maharashtra, ”said Kesarkar. ‘’It was Sharad Pawar who helped Narayan Rane to quit Shiv Sena, as well as Chagan Bhujbal. He had also blessed Raj Thackeray who left the party to form his outfit,’’ he added.

Kesarkar also took a dig at Pawar for his statement that people have not liked the change in the government in Maharashtra and there would be new political developments that would take place in future. ‘’Pawar should stop dreaming. In fact, people are happy with the new government headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde,’’ he noted.

However, state NCP chief spokesman Mahesh Tapase slammed Kesarkar for accusing Pawar of breaking Shiv Sena. ‘’It is an irresponsible statement by an illegal spokesman of the ''illegal'' Shinde government. Rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, who bowed down before Devendra Fadnavis, have done a real job of hurting Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar has done his best to protect Shiv Sainiks' self esteem and also his friendship (with Thackeray),’’ he noted.

Tapase also said that Kesarkar conveniently forgot that when Devendra Fadnavis rebuked the Sena, Pawar formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi uniting the three parties Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP and gave the Chief Minister's post to Shiv Sena.

Meanwhile, former minister Jitendra Awhad lashed out at Kesarkar for his criticism against Pawar. ‘’Hey Kesarkar, how much you are talking against Pawar Saheb, once Saheb annoyed many and chose you in Sindhudurg and Goa. I had come in 2014 with Pawar saheb’s message. Be happy wherever you are,’’ he said.

Published on: Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 08:33 PM IST