Mumbai, April 7 The political atmosphere in Maharashtra has intensified following the filing of nomination papers by Sunetra Pawar for the Baramati bypoll. The decision by Congress to field a candidate against her has sparked a war of words between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its allies, with Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Sanjay Raut firmly backing Congress' right to contest.
Responding to NCP MP Parth Pawar’s claim that Congress’ decision to contest marks the "beginning of its downfall in Maharashtra", Sanjay Raut at the press conference aligned himself with the stance taken by veteran leader Sharad Pawar. “I agree with Sharad Pawar. Congress is a national party and has every right to contest the election," he stated.
He pointed out the irony in Parth Pawar's criticism, reminding him of recent history. "Parth's father, Ajit Pawar, contested the Pimpri-Chinchwad by-election following the death of Laxman Jagtap, and he did so with the help of Congress. If they could seek help then, why shouldn't Congress contest now?" he asked.
Sharad Pawar had previously snubbed Parth’s comments, stating that expressing views on major political decisions requires a level of "maturity".
The controversy extended beyond Baramati to the Rahuri constituency, where former NCP(SP) Minister Prajakt Tanpure withdrew his candidacy. While some claimed Tanpure was "persuaded" to step down, Raut alleged a darker reality. "No one 'persuades' in today's politics; they threaten," Raut charged.
He questioned the involvement of BJP leaders Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Ravindra Chavan. "Are they great revolutionaries or freedom fighters? They likely went there with files regarding sugar factories and cooperative banks to intimidate him. Those who fear these threats withdraw, but those who want to survive in politics must struggle. If you don't want to fight, then live as slaves of the BJP,” he remarked.
Raut further asserted that his party does not fear the "dictatorial" tactics of the BJP, remarking, "This is a democracy, not 'Trump-shahi' (Trump-style rule)."
Clarifying the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) position, Raut noted that while there may be personal goodwill towards the Pawar family, no MVA constituent has officially supported Sunetra Pawar’s candidacy.
Raut revealed a significant condition set by the Congress party regarding their candidate, Akash More. "Congress has stated that they will only consider withdrawing their candidate if an FIR is registered in Maharashtra regarding the suspicious accident involving Ajit Pawar," he claimed.
While NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar has opted not to field a candidate due to family reasons, the Shiv Sena(UBT)'s position remains under deliberation. Raut indicated that Uddhav Thackeray would soon clarify the party’s official stand. “The Baramati election will likely proceed without the usual high-decibel campaigning. The voters of Baramati are wise; they will express their stance calmly through the ballot box," he commented.
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