Ajit Pawar condemns violence after NCP workers thrash Chhava Sanghatna activists over Manikrao Kokate video
Earlier, Chhava Sanghatna activists submitted a protest letter to NCP state chief Sunil Tatkare after a video allegedly showed party minister Manikrao Kokate playing a card game inside the Legislative Council.
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Ajit Pawar said that the NCP’s identity is based on the ideas of democracy, equality and fraternity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. (File Photo)A day after workers of the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) beat up activists of Chhava Sanghatna, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar on Monday condemned the incident. The Chhava Sanghatna, which primarily represents Maratha youth, often raises issues related to farmers and agriculture.
“The incident that took place yesterday in Latur between office-bearers of the NCP and the Chhava Sanghatna is very serious, unfortunate, and condemnable. I strongly oppose any kind of violence, rude behaviour or unparliamentary language. We sincerely respect the just demands and feelings of every section of the society,” Ajit Pawar said.
He added that the NCP’s identity is based on the ideas of democracy, equality and fraternity of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. “I would like to clearly state to all my colleagues and activists: always prioritise the values of democracy, peace, and non-violence while working in social life,” he said.
On Sunday, NCP state youth president Suraj Chavan and other local office-bearers of the party assaulted Vijaykumar Ghadge and others of the Chhava Sanghatna at the government guest house in Latur. Ghadge and others had earlier submitted a letter of protest to NCP state president Sunil Tatkare against party leader and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate after a video allegedly showed Kokate playing the card game Rummy inside the Legislative Council. The workers also gifted a pack of cards to Tatkare as a mark of protest.
Later, alleging that Ghadge and others used unparliamentary language against NCP leaders, Chavan and other workers thrashed them in front of cameras and the police. On Monday morning, Chavan released a video statement apologising for his behaviour.
“We did not beat him for raising farmers’ issues but for using unparliamentary language against our leaders. I apologise for the actions and I will personally meet Vijay Ghadge and clear the misunderstanding,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chavan has been asked not to attend Tatkare’s programmes in neighbouring Dharashiv district on Monday, anticipating a strong reaction from Chhava Sanghatna and other organisations.
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