Prime minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Baramati, the bastion of the Nationalist Congress Party, this month has set off a war of words between the Congress and the BJP. While the Congress has accused the PM of doublespeak, the BJP has defended the visit calling it a pro-development move.
Prime minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Baramati, the bastion of the Nationalist Congress Party, this month has set off a war of words between the Congress and the BJP. While the Congress has accused the PM of doublespeak, the BJP has defended the visit calling it a pro-development move.
To complicate the matter for the BJP, one of its partners – Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana – in the mega alliance (Maha Yuti) too is opposed to the visit. Modi is expected to go to Baramati, hometown of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, on Valentine's Day (February 14) to see the development of the district.
"In the run-up to the assembly elections, it was Modi who had appealed to the people of Baramati to get rid of Pawar. This visit is a testimony to our allegation that there was a tacit understanding between the NCP and the BJP much before the polls," said Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Manikrao Thakare.
The senior Congress leader said there were various signs, before and after the elections, which indicated that Pawar was keen to help the BJP. "Contradictory statements and behaviour have been the hallmarks of Pawar's career. First, he announced unconditional support to the BJP in the pretext of a stable government. He then said the BJP should not rely on his support while running the government."
Accusing Pawar of toppling the Congress-NCP government to help the BJP, Thakre said they were not surprised by Pawar's invitation to Modi. "It was expected of him. It is for Modi to think twice since it would tarnish his image."
President of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana and Lok Sabha MP from Hatkanangale Raju Shetti also has express his displeasure over Modi's visit. It was Shetti and his organisation that had launched a scathing attack on sugar barons in western Maharashtra, thus paving the way for Maha Yuti's victory. "The visit has created a sense of restlessness among the farming community as well as the BJP cadre in western Maharashtra. I am curious to see if the PM will raise the issue of Pawar's contribution to his Madha constituency. Despite a full term, he didn't do much for his voters."
Minister for parliamentary affairs Girish Bapat, who is working out the modalities of the programme, said politics does not mean animosity. "The BJP has done its job by toppling the government that was led by the Pawars, but that does not mean the PM should decline an invitation to witness development."
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