Mumbai, April 21: Political experts feel NCP chief is sliding down after a slew of setbacks, the most recent being the IPL row
The sugar baron’s cup of woes is overflowing more than ever.
In recent months NCP chief Sharad Pawar seems to have suffered a series of setbacks, the most recent being the IPL controversy.
While concurring that Pawar’s stock is sliding slowly, political observers even hazard a guess that it could reach its nadir if some damage control is not quickly undertaken.
“There is no doubt that Pawar has lost his glory. It’s high time he comes up with a solution,” said political expert Anurag Chaturvedi. Political analysts also opined that the actions of Pawar’s political allies hint they could soon leave him in the lurch.
Ally’s message
“By making Tharoor step down, the Congress has sent out a strong message that it won’t tolerate corruption.
Now, it is rolling up its sleeves to target the NCP,” said Sanjay Kumar, deputy director, Lokniti — Programme for Comparative Democracy, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies.
The Maratha satrap, who had to set aside his aspirations to be Prime Minister, has been consistently losing face vis-a-vis the Congress. During last year’s General elections and Assembly polls, his attempts to wangle out too much from the alliance took a beating.
“During the Lok Sabha elections, Pawar made statements against the Congress leadership and even ruffled feathers by saying it was not necessary the Prime Minister would be from the Congress party. After the results were out, he had to swallow his own words,” noted Kumar.
While the NCP tried to talk tough by demanding its pound of flesh from the Congress, it had to later agree to the Congress’ dictats.
“It’s said Pawar is supporting Modi. But given the quagmire this controversy is now in, he himself may land in a soup,” said Chaturvedi.
He is quick to add that even if Pawar manages to wriggle out of the mess, the stains will remain.”
However, the arrest of NCP’s Member of Parliament Padamsinh Patil, a close aide of Pawar, came as yet another embarrassment to the NCP chief.
Patil was arrested in connection with the murder of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar.
It was Pawar’s political foes who fanned the flames of high prices of essential commodities that turned the heat on Pawar in recent times.
“During the price rise issue, statements made by Pawar landed him in trouble and the leadership in the government took harsh steps. This brought down Pawar’s value,” Kumar observed.
The last straw
The issue of IPL has proved to be the final nail in Pawar’s coffin.
Over the IPL issue, the Congress has managed to steal the show from under Pawar’s nose. Despite its own leader, Shashi Tharoor’s involvement, the party has managed to come out clean by making Tharoor step down.
Kumar and Chaturvedi concurred that the many rough patches have reduced Pawar’s stature, and made the ride bumpy for him.
Voices
It is not true. Our party’s relationship with the Congress is very much intact. A cricket match cannot spoil relationships. When Pawar delivered his speech during the price rise issue, everyone from the UPA was present. I think all these stories are cooked up by the media.
— Supriya Sule, NCP MP from Baramati and daughter of Sharad Pawar
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 do have similar views on most issues. I don’t think the Congress plays such dirty games of downsizing any other party.
— Satyavrat Chaturvedi Congress MP
BJP speaks
The Congress now wants to break away from its alliance and hopes to become more powerful. It also wants to reduce the clout that leaders of regional parties 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?
— Prabhat Jha BJP Member of Parliament
——-Agencies