Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar claimed on Wednesday that there is a growing “anti-BJP” sentiment in India, as evidenced by the recent Karnataka Assembly elections. According to Pawar, if this sentiment persists, the country will see a shift in power in the upcoming elections.
Pawar also addressed the recent spate of minor incidents in Maharashtra, stating that they were being unfairly depicted as religious in nature, a trend he deemed unhealthy.
The BJP’s recent loss in theKarnataka Assembly elections, where Congress resumed power after a five-year hiatus, underscores Pawar’s statements. Both the Lok Sabha and the Maharashtra Assembly polls are slated for next year.
Pawar argued that there is a rising anti-BJP wave, and that the Karnataka elections show a general inclination towards change.
He suggested that if this mindset persists, it would lead to a political shift in the upcoming elections.
In response to queries about the possibility of simultaneous Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections, Pawar suggested that based on the Karnataka results, national leaders are unlikely to conflate the two.
Discussing the ‘Telangana model’ of providing financial assistance to farmers, Pawar advocated for more funds to be allocated towards agricultural infrastructure. He also expressed concerns over the portrayal of recent minor incidents in Maharashtra as religiously motivated, asserting that the ruling parties have a responsibility to maintain law and order.
Pawar also singled out Minister Nitin Gadkari for praise as the Modi government marks nine years in power. He commended Gadkari for his impartiality, stating that the minister focuses on the importance of the issue at hand rather than the person presenting it.
Finally, Pawar voiced his concerns over agricultural issues in the state, particularly the dire situation of cotton farmers. He criticized the government’s perspective as being less than ideal, citing undetermined export quotas and falling sugar prices as detrimental to agricultural producers.
