Sharad Pawar completes 50 years in politics, to hit streets against BJP in Nagpur today

Mumbai: On his 77th birthday, National Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar would hit the street against the BJP-led government at Nagpur in Maharashtra amid the ongoing session of the legislature.

The former Union minister has completed 50 years of active participation in politics.

Mr Pawar will take part in the rally on Tuesday which is organised by the opposition parties. The Congress and the NCP have accused the BJP-led ruling coalition of “neglecting” issues related to farmers and common people.

When the veteran politician hits the street, it will be a rare occasion in his political life. Hemant Takale, senior NCP leader and an MLC said, “It is true that Pawar would be agitating against the state government after over 30 years. In 1985, Pawar had organised a cycle rally against the then state government. The cycle rally started from Jalgaon and ended in Nagpur. Pawar has mostly been in power.”

Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad Pawar and a former deputy chief minister, said, “Generally, (on birthdays) Pawarsaheb would stay at his home in Pune or Mumbai and have a low- profile event. The only events used to be organised on his birthdays were health check-ups and blood donations. For the first time, Pawarsaheb will be agitating on his birthday for people’s interest. ”

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will also be participating in the rally.

Congress, NCP leaders and workers will take out a march which will conclude at Lokmat Chowk where Mr Pawar and others will address the rally.