In a surprising turn of events, Sanjay Raut, a prominent figure in Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, has publicly criticized ally Sharad Pawar for sharing a stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Pune. Raut’s remarks stem from the belief that PM Modi played a role in the split within the National Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar’s nephew, Ajit Pawar.
In an article in the Shiv Sena daily Saamana, Raut expressed dismay over Sharad Pawar’s decision to share a stage with PM Modi, who had previously accused the NCP of corruption. Raut suggested that Pawar could have dispelled doubts about him by avoiding such public appearances with the prime minister.
Raut emphasized the ongoing struggle against what he termed as the “dictatorship of Modi” and the formation of the alliance INDIA under the same banner. He questioned the decision to felicitate a politician, accused of going against democratic norms, with an award named after Bal Gangadhar Tilak, stating that it would be unjust to Tilak’s struggle for independence. Raut pointed out the apparent contradiction where Sharad Pawar, part of an alliance opposing what they deem an “undemocratic” Delhi ordinance, is simultaneously presenting an award to PM Modi.
Furthermore, Raut asserted that PM Modi accepting an award from someone he labeled as “corrupt” indicates that the prime minister is not genuinely concerned about corruption. Instead, Raut believes that Modi raises the issue to instill fear among opposition leaders and destabilize political parties.
The event in question took place in Pune, where PM Modi and Sharad Pawar shared a stage and shook hands during an award ceremony. This meeting marked their first encounter after the split within the NCP.
