Ajit Pawar eats crow,says sorry for biggest blunder

A chastened Ajit Pawar apologised to the assembly and the people for his recent statements.

Written by Express News Service
Mumbai | April 9, 2013 06:12 AM IST

2 min read

Facing severe criticism from parties across the political spectrum,a chastened Ajit Pawar on Monday apologised to the assembly and the people for his recent statements. Making the statements was the biggest blunder of his political life,the deputy chief minister said.

At a public rally in Indapur in Pimpri-Chinchwad,Pawar had mocked farmers agitating against the states response to the drought,asking,If there is no water in the dam… should we urinate into it? The combined opposition stalled the Maharashtra legislature Monday to protest the remarks,and several members demanded Pawars resignation.

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After what I said on Saturday I have apologised to the assembly. Through the media I would also like to seek forgiveness from the people of the state. While working in political life I have seen lots of ups and downs. However this incident has affected me a lot. Because I feel that this mistake that has happened is the biggest blunder of my political life for which I seek forgiveness from the people of Maharashtra, Pawar told reporters.

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar apologised for his nephew on Twitter. I duly apologize on behalf of Deputy CM of Maharashtra for the unwanted comment that he has made, Sharad Pawar said.

Following the uproar in the state legislature,Ajit Pawar made a statement of apology in both Houses. Despite this,both Houses had to be adjourned for the day.

My comments on Saturday were not directed towards drought-affected people and I had no intention to hurt anybodys sentiments. I hope my comments will not affect drought relief measures which will continue vigorously, Pawar said in the assembly,as opposition members continued to shout slogans.

In the Legislative Council,Leader of Opposition Vinod Tawde sought a detailed discussion. In his statement in the upper House,Pawar said,The state government is very serious about combating drought and helping drought-affected people. It is the topmost priority of the government.