Sharad Pawar expects mid-term polls

Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, in his first Facebook chat, has said his party wishes for mid-term polls in the state. “We are not just ready but wish for mid term-polls in Maharashtra. I don’t see any possibility of Sena walking out of state government, but if it does so, we will go for mid-term polls,” the veteran politician said on Monday, while answering queries from the public.

“Yes, we had extended support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) two years ago. But the state was not ready for polls. Today is a different situation. After two years of their governance, the people want these parties thrown out of power,” said Mr Pawar in an aggressive tone.

The NCP supremo also criticised chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for latter’s aggressive campaigning. “He is entitled to campaign for his party. But, in such a bitter election period, it is the responsibility of a person who leads government to exercise some restrain and show maturity. I don’t see Mr Fadnavis handling the situation that way,” said Mr Pawar.

NCP chief also alleged that morcha by Marathas and other castes were being supported by the BJP leadership in state. “At the start of it all they tried to drag my name in it. But when their state leadership was seen in the morchas with saffron caps, everyone got to know who were the real people behind it,” said Mr Pawar. “But it seems their central leadership has understood the seriousness of the issue and now they are trying to tone it down,” he added.

Reacting about recent induction of alleged criminals into the BJP, the NCP chief said, “People have noticed this change in the BJP. The way it is talking people in, one feels it is not that party that its leaders claim it is. I am sure voters will have a strong reaction to this.” He also lambasted the BJP’s social media campaigning.

“The way BJP’s supporters behave on social media is not good for society. After elections, a party must introspect,” he said.