‘Sharad Pawar practices caste-based politics, unlike Bal Thackeray,’ claims BJP

Pravin Darekar, BJP leader, asserted that Sharad Pawar has consistently engaged in politics driven by caste and community throughout his 50-year political career. This statement from Darekar comes in response to Sharad Pawar’s declaration a day earlier that he has never practiced caste-based politics. Darekar, the Leader of the state legislative council, emphasized that Pawar’s use of caste and community remains a fundamental aspect of his political strategy.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Darekar commented, “If one has to give an example of a leader who has never done caste and community-based politics, it is undoubtedly Hindu Hriday Samrat Bal Thackeray.” He praised Thackeray for making decisions without considering caste or community, highlighting the contrast with Pawar.
Darekar, who closely observed Bal Thackeray’s work, emphasized that Thackeray’s leadership demonstrated a departure from caste and community politics. In contrast, Darekar argued that Sharad Pawar continues to display bias towards caste and community considerations in his political pursuits.
Sharad Pawar responded to the recent controversy surrounding a viral certificate indicating his OBC status, stating in Baramati, “I have never done caste-based social work or politics.” He dismissed the video as baseless, asserting that there is no need for him to hide his caste, as it is well-known in Maharashtra.
NCP working president Supriya Sule deemed the video “fake,” and a close aide reaffirmed that Sharad Pawar is recognized as a Maratha across the country. The Maratha community holds significant political influence in Maharashtra, constituting 33 percent of the population and playing a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes. Sharad Pawar has long been acknowledged as the unchallenged Maratha leader in the state, enjoying the community’s loyalty and vote bank.