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NCP president Sharad Pawar has accused the government of pursuing politics of vendetta against his party leaders. The arrest of NCP MP Sameer Bhujbal, coupled with strong reaction from senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal, has prompted Pawar to put up a strong defence for the Bhujbals.
“In my entire career of 40 years, I have never seen such politics of extremism. It clearly smacks of political vendetta when investigating agencies repeatedly conduct raids against one family,” Pawar said.
He added, “We are not against the investigation. To the contrary, we have taken a stand to be cooperative. But what is shocking is the manner in which the entire operation is being carried out.”
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On Tuesday morning, Pawar held deliberations with state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare and former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar along with senior officebearers. It was felt that instead of getting into the case’s merit, they should expose the BJP to boost the morale of the party and convey a strong message to people.
Pawar wondered how a decision taken by the group of ministers under the cabinet sub-committee could be subjected to investigation. The Maharashtra Sadan project was approved by the cabinet sub-committee. Not mincing words to express his disappointment over the arrest of Sameer Bhujbal, Pawar said, “I have also seen how the non-Congress government in Maharashtra functioned. Bal Thackeray controlled the Sena-BJP government. But then chief ministers Manohar Joshi or Narayan Rane never practised politics of vengeance.”
Also read: Bhujbal money trail Rs 870 crore, used illegal cash to set up various firms, says ED
Exercising caution not to mention the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pawar confined his criticism against the state government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Pawar maintained, “In a democracy we don’t justify such acts. But we have full faith in the judiciary.”
A close aide of Bhujbal said, “Unfortunately, Bhujbals have always been the soft target. When in the Congress-NCP, Bhujbal had to resign over the Telgi scam in 2002. Today, the BJP is hounding them on charges of corruption.”
Bhujbal supporters also tried to give it a political twist arguing, “Earlier, it was Maratha versus OBC. Now, obviously, Bhujbal suits the BJP government, which is pursuing a hidden Hinduvta agenda.”
Bhujbal supporters under the banner of Samata Party held demonstrations on the streets in OBC dominated districts.
Pawar steered clear from commenting on the merits of the case against the Bhujbals. But he said, “From the reports, it appears that senior BJP MP Kirit Somaiyya has lodged the complain against Bhujbals. Taking note of the complain the central agencies quickly act. What is more shocking is the BJP politician goes out of the way to suggest that there would be some arrest etc. It makes one wonder whether central agencies are being influenced to act in a certain manner by the ruling party.”
While dismissing apprehensions of some more arrests against senior leader Sunil Tatkare and Ajit Pawar also facing probe, Pawar said, “If the government decides politics of vengence nothing can be ruled out. Soon they may drag my name also. But, we are not worried. We are prepared to face any situation.”
However, revenue minister Eknath Khadse said, “Pawar’s allegations of political vendetta are baseless. The central agencies were pursuing the financial irregularties case and accordingly acting. Moreover, court is also monitoring the case.”
