Maharashtra polls: Cautious of backlash, Ajit-led NCP needs no private assaults on Sharad Pawar

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Sadabhau Khot, chief of the Rayat Kranti Sanghatana, an ally in Mahayuti, apologised and launched a video message on Thursday, a day after his derogatory feedback in opposition to NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar attracted criticism.

The feedback adopted sharp criticism from Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Get together (NCP), additionally a part of the Mahayuti alliance, who condemned Khot’s remarks. (HT FILE PHOTO)

“I take back my statement if it has hurt anyone’s sentiments,” he stated.

Khot, whereas talking on Wednesday at a rally in Jat, Sangli, questioned whether or not Pawar supposed to make Maharashtra like his face.

The feedback adopted sharp criticism from Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Get together (NCP), additionally a part of the Mahayuti alliance, who condemned Khot’s remarks.

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Ajit stated, “Sadabhau Khot’s comment about Pawar Saheb is unacceptable. We oppose such low-level personal attacks, as they do not reflect Maharashtra’s culture. On behalf of the NCP and personally, I strongly condemn this statement. We will not tolerate personal remarks against Pawar Saheb in the future.”

NCP leaders have been cautious to keep away from any backlash that might generate sympathy for Sharad Pawar, as seen within the Lok Sabha elections when Prime Minister Narendra Modi known as the veteran chief a “Bhatakti Atma” (wandering soul). At the moment too, NCP chief Lande had stated, “Such comments directed at an 84-year-old leader are inappropriate and tend to rally support for him.”

On July 21, after Union Dwelling Minister Amit Shah labelled Sharad Pawar because the “ringleader of corruption,” Lande, a former legislator and seen to be near deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, voiced his displeasure. He wrote to BJP’s state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, urging the celebration to keep away from such remarks.

In line with senior NCP leaders, private assaults on Sharad Pawar are impacting NCP candidates negatively.

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“In many constituencies, candidates from both NCP factions are competing, and their shared voter base tends to sympathise with Sharad Pawar when he is targeted,” a senior chief requesting anonymity stated.

After Khot’s remark, NCP (SP) staff shortly mobilised to sentence Khot and the Mahayuti, prompting Ajit Pawar to problem a press release swiftly.

Dilip Walse-Patil additionally denounced the comment, stating, “We will never accept personal attacks on Sharad Pawar, who is a highly respected leader.”

A senior chief from Ajit Pawar’s faction, requesting anonymity stated, “Sharad Pawar has a significant following. Any criticism against him hurts us, and reactions on social media are overwhelmingly in his favour. We have deliberately decided not to comment on Sharad Pawar, a stance we’ve communicated publicly.”

An NCP (SP) chief, additionally on situation of anonymity, added, “Personal attacks on Sharad Pawar almost always work in our favour, as people respect his stature. After Balasaheb Thackeray, he remains the only state-level leader who commands such respect. While some oppose him, even voters from rival camps disapprove of personal attacks against him.”