Desist from attacking Sharad Pawar, NCP leader tells Anna Hazare

NCP leader Jitendra Awhad today said social activist Anna Hazare should desist from attacking party president and Union Minister Sharad Pawar.

Addressing a press conference here, he accused Hazare of repeatedly "defaming" Pawar, and asked the anti-corruption crusader to stop doing so.

Awhad, who is an MLA, said Hazare should stop making any more statements regarding the slapping incident involving the Maratha strongman in Delhi last month.

Pawar is not a media creation but he has earned his political standing due to support from the citizens of this country, the NCP's Thane district chief said.

Awhad's warning to Hazare came days after the social activist virtually justified the attack on Pawar and accused him of shielding the corrupt.