Pune: Sharad Pawar Defends Position on Maratha Reservation, Refutes Raj Thackeray’s Claims
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 12th August 2024: Various political leaders and citizens of Maharashtra have frequently questioned veteran leader Sharad Pawar’s stance on the Maratha reservation movements occurring across the state. Sharad Pawar, Chief of the Nationalist Congress Sharadchandra Pawar Party (NCP-SP), today clarified his stance on the ongoing Maratha reservation movement in Maharashtra, addressing the frequent questions raised by political leaders and citizens. During a press conference held in Pune, Pawar also directly countered recent remarks made by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray.
With the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections approaching, the political climate in the state has intensified, with leaders engaging in accusations and mudslinging. Amid this atmosphere, Raj Thackeray recently criticized Sharad Pawar, suggesting that he should refrain from contributing to the ongoing tensions. Pawar responded to these comments during the press conference.
“I Don’t Need to Try Because Maharashtra Knows Me”
Pawar stated, “I don’t know why Raj Thackeray has mentioned me two or three times. I never engage in such matters. Maharashtra knows me well; that’s why I don’t need to try, nor do I try. There’s no question of contributing to any unrest. What I have said is a sign of contribution or a sign of improvement?” He further hinted at Thackeray’s relevance in the ongoing political discourse.
“No Truth in Raj Thackeray’s Allegations”
In reference to an earlier incident in Marathwada, where Raj Thackeray’s car was attacked, Thackeray had alleged that the attackers were affiliated with Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. Responding to this, Pawar said, “There was no reason for Raj Thackeray to mention my name. I also travel through Marathwada, and people have approached me with requests. Am I now responsible for these incidents? There is no truth in Raj Thackeray’s allegations. I have always worked for positive changes in Maharashtra, and the people of Maharashtra are well aware of my role.”
“Sharad and Uddhav Using Jarange as Shield: Raj”
Raj Thackeray has accused Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray of using the Maratha reservation movement to incite unrest in Marathwada ahead of the assembly elections. He claimed that they were leveraging the Manoj Jarange Patil-led reservation movement for caste-based politics. Additionally, Raj Thackeray alleged that Sharad Pawar had not utilized his good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the reservation issue in Maharashtra.
