During a press conference in Satara on Tuesday, Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), accused the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) of destroying the fundamental values of tolerance and secularism that are the soul of India.<\/p>\n
He specifically mentioned the BJP’s “Operation Lotus” as a means of achieving this goal. Pawar expressed concern that the BJP’s divisive tactics were creating religious polarization in the country. He also criticized the BJP’s strategy of gaining power by any means necessary, including by splitting MLAs of other parties, which he called a dangerous policy.<\/p>\n
In response to a critical editorial in the Daily Samana by Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, Pawar brushed off the criticism and stated that Raut likely did not have a clear understanding of the NCP’s actions.<\/p>\n
Pawar also commented on the power dynamics within the Maharashtra state government, stating that the state chief minister would have to follow orders from the BJP high command due to the party’s specific system of giving orders.<\/p>\n
Regarding the upcoming elections, Pawar stated that there have been no discussions yet about seat distribution between the Maha Vikas Aghadi partners. He plans to hold deliberations with allies including Congress and Shiv Sena during his next visit to Mumbai. The NCP is contesting limited seats in the Karnataka assembly elections, which Pawar believes will not have a significant impact on the fortunes of the Congress party.<\/p>\n