The political scenario in Maharashtra has heated up with Sunetra Pawar filing nomination papers for the Baramati bypoll. The move by Congress to nominate a candidate against her has triggered a verbal battle between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its allies. Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has firmly supported Congress’ decision to contest.
In response to NCP MP Parth Pawar’s statement that Congress entering the race signals the “beginning of its downfall in Maharashtra,” Sanjay Raut, in a press conference, aligned himself with veteran leader Sharad Pawar’s viewpoint. He emphasized Congress’ right to participate in the election as a national party.
Sanjay Raut highlighted the irony in Parth Pawar’s criticism by recalling recent events. He mentioned that Parth’s father, Ajit Pawar, had contested the Pimpri-Chinchwad by-election with Congress’ support in the past. Raut questioned why Congress shouldn’t contest now if they had cooperated before.
The controversy has not been limited to Baramati but has spilled over to the Rahuri constituency. Former NCP(SP) Minister Prajakt Tanpure withdrew his candidacy, leading to speculations of persuasion. Raut alleged that in today’s politics, persuasion often involves threats rather than mere requests.
Raut criticized BJP leaders Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Ravindra Chavan for their involvement in the situation. He accused them of using intimidation tactics with files related to sugar factories and cooperative banks. Raut emphasized the need for politicians to stand firm against such pressures to survive in the political arena.
Asserting his party’s stance against what he termed as “dictatorial” BJP tactics, Raut emphasized the importance of democracy over authoritarian rule. He stressed that the political landscape should not resemble a dictatorship but should uphold democratic values.
Clarifying the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) position, Raut mentioned that while there may be personal goodwill towards the Pawar family, no official support has been extended to Sunetra Pawar’s candidacy by any MVA constituent. Raut disclosed a significant condition set by the Congress party regarding their candidate, Akash More.
NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar decided not to field a candidate due to personal reasons, while the Shiv Sena(UBT)’s stance is still pending. Raut hinted at Uddhav Thackeray clarifying the party’s official position soon. He anticipated a relatively subdued campaign for the Baramati election, emphasizing the voters’ wisdom in expressing their views through the ballot box.
