In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments about Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut launched a scathing critique and raised the question of whether the PM had a selective memory.
In a veiled reference to Sharad Pawar, who held the position of Agriculture Minister in the UPA government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had remarked that the BJP-led government was actively working to empower farmers, while insinuating that certain individuals in Maharashtra were engaging in political activities under the pretext of representing farmers.
During a press conference, Sanjay Raut challenged the Prime Minister’s statements, asking, “What has Modi ji accomplished? Pawar Saheb served as the Agriculture Minister for a decade. He wasn’t just an Agriculture Minister; he was an expert in the field and is renowned for his contributions to the agricultural sector. The fact that Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is being fielded in assembly elections indicates the seriousness of the agriculture portfolio. Sharad Pawar has earned his place. Establishing a PM Care Fund is not a monumental achievement; Sharad Pawar has made substantial contributions through his NGO.” Raut also directed his remarks towards Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, suggesting that he should have left the stage when PM Modi was speaking about Sharad Pawar.
Raut further stated, “It doesn’t befit the Prime Minister of the country. Until recently, you were praising Sharad Pawar, and today, you are enumerating his shortcomings. Does PM Modi suffer from selective amnesia? Ajit Pawar should have exited the stage when Modi ji was making unfounded statements about Pawar Saheb. Today, PM Modi is criticizing Sharad Pawar during his visit to Maharashtra. Tomorrow, he may insult Balasaheb Thackeray as well. Modi and the BJP are skilled at using people. They did not show respect to Atal and Advani.”
He went on to express that PM refrained from addressing crucial issues during his recent visit to Maharashtra, such as farmer suicides, Maratha reservation, and the hunger strike led by Manoj Jarange Patil. According to Raut, Modi’s objective was to tarnish the reputation of the state’s leader.
Raut asserted, “Modi visited Maharashtra but remained silent on matters like farmer suicides, Maratha reservation, and the hunger strike led by Manoj Jarange Patil because his intention was to defame the state’s leader. Modi talks about corruption, yet he was accompanied on the stage by the likes of Shinde and Ajit Pawar, individuals accused of significant corruption. Ajit Pawar’s conduct is now so shameless that Modi spoke extensively about Sharad Pawar, and Ajit Pawar sat on the stage and endured the criticism.”
