Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, on Friday, made an emotional plea to the people of Baramati urging them to elect a "first-timer" candidate, hinting at the possibility of fielding his wife, Sunetra Pawar, against his cousin and incumbent MP, Supriya Sule.
"People will come to you and ask for your votes on emotional issues but it is up to you to decide whether you will vote on emotional grounds or to continue development work and for the welfare of your future generations."
In response to Ajit Pawar's statement, NCP leader Supriya Sule acknowledged the democratic right of individuals to contest elections but expressed disappointment over the apparent mockery of parliamentary procedures witnessed recently. Sule lamented the departure from the dignified debates by past leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Sushma Swaraj, highlighting the importance of respectful discourse in the democratic process.
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#WATCH | Delhi: On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's statement, NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar leader Supriya Sule says, "It's a democracy, everyone here has the right to contest elections and hence it's a fair thing to say. But, it's very unfortunate and painful that the temple of… pic.twitter.com/VN5AYW9ms7
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"It's a democracy, everyone here has the right to contest elections and hence it's a fair thing to say. I am surprised and disappointed that someone as senior leader as Ajit Pawar is to say something like that,” she said.
Meanwhile, veteran leader Sharad Pawar criticised his nephew's approach, accusing him of attempting to manipulate the emotions of the constituency. Pawar affirmed that everyone has the democratic right to contest elections, but he expressed disapproval of the emotional tactics employed by Ajit Pawar.
"He is making people emotional by saying that the whole family is on one side and he is alone on the other," Mr Pawar said.
"In a democracy, everyone has the right to contest elections. If someone is exercising that right then there is no reason to complain about it. People know what we have done in the last 55-60 years," he added.
Sharad Pawar reiterated the democratic principle that allows anyone to contest elections while highlighting the track record of the NCP in serving the people over several decades.
Baramati, traditionally a stronghold of the Pawar family, has seen Supriya Sule representing the constituency for three consecutive terms since 2009.
Addressing Ajit Pawar's indication of fielding his wife against Supriya Sule, NCP leader Clyde Crasto asserted Sule's unparalleled dedication to Baramati and dismissed Pawar's attempts to confuse the electorate. Crasto underscored Ajit Pawar's indebtedness to Sharad Pawar for his political career and accused him of aligning with the BJP for personal gain.
“Ajit Pawar owes his political career to Sharad Pawar. He has joined hands with the BJP to save himself. People of Baramati know this and will give him an answer," Crasto said.