Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar advised stopping discussion on the Sawarkar issue, as it could pose serious problems in Maharashtra. Pawar was speaking during a Meet The Press programme organized by the Nagpur Union of Working Journalists, on Saturday.
Swanatraveer Sawarkar is not a national issue. This does not mean that his contribution is less important. His dedication and sacrifice for the nation cannot be undermined. Those who believe in a progressive and scientific approach will have to accept Sawarkar. He said “Cow is a useful animal” and also took lead in appointing a non-brahmin as priest of Kalaram Ram Mandir. His contribution in the reformation of society must be accepted, Pawar said.
Referring to the proposal of conducting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, Pawar said that this is not possible as per his study of Indian politics. Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be ready by January 2024. This is followed by the general and assembly elections. The possibility of religion being the main issue in the next elections cannot be ruled out. However, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will face the elections based on local issues.
The demand for an enquiry into the investment of 20,000 crores in Adani’s companies became a national issue. Congress has demanded conducting an enquiry through a Joint Parliamentary Committee on the issue. Nationalist Congress Party supports the demand, Pawar said. Besides this, an enquiry into the issue should be conducted through a committee chaired by a Supreme Court judge. The truth in the issue must come out and be made known to the people, Pawar added.
Pawar has written positively and appreciatively about Gautam Adani in his biography. Pawar said that he has written about various industrialists including Shantanurao Kirloskar and Rahul Bajaj from time to time. There is no need to change his views now, he said.
Pawar was accompanied by former Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh.