Thackeray’s Sonia tirade in bad taste: Pawar

PUNE, February 20: Congress stalwart Sharad Pawar today hit back at Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray for the manner in which the latter had attacked Sonia Gandhi. Addressing a series of meetings in Khed and Baramati Lok Sabha constituencies today, Pawar said he could be abusive like Thackeray but did not want to because he believed in maintaining some ethics in public life.

"BJP leader Rajmata Scindia was born in Nepal. Her parents hailed from Nepal but she became the daughter-in-law of the Gwalior royal family. I consider her to be an Indian and so do others. She is a prominent member of the party. Why not use the same yardstick for Sonia Gandhi", he questioned.

"Our rich culture has taught us to respect women. Thackeray has crossed all limits in attacking Sonia Gandhi. In any case, Thackeray and refined behaviour are poles apart. He has been calling all our leaders names. If we decide to retaliate, Thackeray will lose his sleep. But this is not our culture", Pawar said.