‘BJP lost seats wherever…’: Sharad Pawar’s direct attack on PM Modi as battle for Maharashtra intensifies

Taking a sharp jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said the BJP lost 10 to 12 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, where the Prime Minister had campaigned extensively. On Tuesday, Modi addressed rallies in Chimur (Chandrapur district), Solapur and Pune.

“It is the prime minister’s right to address election rallies. There is no need to pay much attention to it,” Pawar told reporters. “But keep one thing in mind: the Prime Minister addressed 16 rallies during the Lok Sabha elections. and the BJP lost 10 to 12 seats where he addressed rallies. So let him come,” the veteran leader added, responding to a question about Modi’s campaign schedule.

In the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, the BJP’s number of seats in Maharashtra fell significantly, from 23 in 2019 to nine.

Pawar also brushed aside allegations by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, who accused him of promoting caste politics. “He (Thackeray) will gain importance a few months ahead of the elections. So I don’t take him seriously,” Pawar said.

The NCP supremo further criticized senior BJP leader Raosaheb Danve, who was recently caught on camera kicking a supporter, stating that the treatment of BJP party workers was in plain sight for all to see.

The ruling Mahayuti alliance, which also includes the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP coalition, is gearing up for a tough fight against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising NCP (SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Congress. upcoming assembly elections on November 20 in Maharashtra.