Sharad Pawar Vows Not to Remain Quiet Until Maharashtra Government Is Changed in 2 Months

Sharad Pawar, the president of the NCP (SP), addressed party workers at Ghatkopar in Mumbai and expressed his determination to dislodge the Mahayuti dispensation in Maharashtra from power in the next two months. He emphasized the need for a new government based on the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Pawar criticized the state government over the collapse of a statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg district on August 26, stating that those in power have no “faith” in Shivaji Maharaj.

He assured party workers that with their unity, they would not rest until a new government, based on the principles of Shivaji Maharaj and committed to safeguarding the interests of the people, is formed within the next two months. The collapse of the 35-foot Shivaji statue at Rajkot fort in Malvan tehsil sparked controversy and opposition criticism of the Mahayuti government for alleged corruption and insults to the icon. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologized for the incident.

Pawar highlighted allegations of corruption in the construction of the statue and lamented the quality deterioration leading to the collapse. He pointed out that while the government pledged to construct a new statue, the damage caused by the collapse remains unaddressed. He criticized the wrong and corrupt decisions made during the statue’s construction.

Sharad Pawar participated in a protest march with the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in south Mumbai over the statue collapse. Additionally, he criticized the Centre over the lateral entry scheme, emphasizing the need for a government that prioritizes the interests of the people. The Maharashtra assembly elections, to be held in October or November, are anticipated to be highly contested given the current political climate in the state.