New Delhi, June 07: Strong signals out that Congress will not support the agriculture minister in the IPL controversy even as BJP demands Pawar’s resignation
Is Congress fixing Sharad Pawar? After all the controversy related to the IPL, the Maratha leader seems to be standing alone with no support. Instead the party he supports is in alliance in the state, so the centre too is no longer with him.
According to leaders from across parties, Pawar seems to be in a danger spot with no one to rely on. “The Congress wants to break away from its alliance and hopes to become more powerful. It also wants to reduce the clout that regional party leaders wield. It’s a known fact that the Congress wants to downsize Pawar and it’s a well-planned strategy. When the Congress can make its own man (Shashi Tharoor) leave, will it support leaders of another party?” asked a senior BJP leader.
A senior congress leader had earlier admitted, “We are partners at the Centre and in the state, but we are also independent parties, and each party knows that there won’t be the same opinion on every issue. Although we might agree on most issues, I don’t think the Congress plays such dirty games.”
Pawar’s drought
It’s been a bad year for Pawar, starting from the arrest of his close aide and MP Padmasinh Patil. Pawar’s attempts to align with the Third Front and its leadership during the Lok Sabha polls are rumoured to have affected the relationship with the high command in Congress. Finally, Pawar was forced to accept Congress’s terms which meant fewer seats during assembly polls. Causing further embarrassment, Pawar’s statements on the price rise were criticised by his own allies and the opposition.
Sudhir Mungantiwar, state BJP president, said, “Pawar was earlier seen as a dynamic leader who used to work for the public, but now he is only available for cricket. He has lost his charm.”
In denial
However, the NCP is in denial. “All of us support him. There are a few who are trying to malign the name of our leader (Pawar). This is a conspiracy but the Congress is not involved. Congress has clarified this,” said Madhukar Pichad, the state NCP president.
Meanwhile, the BJP is demanding Pawar’s resignation. “Pawar should resign unless it is proven that he is not guilty. The UPA government should carry out an investigation in the whole matter,” said Gopal Shetty, City BJP chief.
Congress in-charge for Maharashtra, Mohan Prakash said, “The NCP is capable of defending itself. There is no need for the Congress to issue a statement or clarification on it.” DP Tripathi, NCP leader and spokesperson said, “There is no problem between both the parties and I think the story is completely baseless.”
Pawar hasn’t been singled out in the harsh treatment meted out by the Congress. When civil aviation minister Praful Patel was in the line of fire because of the flight diversion controversy, the Congress had planned a detailed report. Subsequently, the Finance Ministry took over the case.
–Agencies–