Sharad Pawar Warns of Manipur-Like Unrest in Maharashtra, Calls for Social Unity

Sharad Pawar, chief of the Nationalist Congress Party, has warned about potential disturbances in Maharashtra similar to those in Manipur due to social division over the Maratha-OBC quota issue. He stressed the need for social unity to foster national development while criticizing the government's handling of ethnic strife.

Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), voiced grave concerns about potential disturbances in Maharashtra akin to those seen in Manipur. Speaking at a Social Unity Conference in Navi Mumbai, Pawar emphasized the importance of social unity for national development. He pointed to the government's inability to handle ethnic strife effectively, particularly in Manipur, which has seen significant violence and loss of life since last May.

Pawar's remarks follow ongoing tensions between the Maratha and OBC communities in Maharashtra over reservation issues. He criticized the government's role in fostering unity, accusing it of exacerbating divisions instead. According to Pawar, the current atmosphere of social discord threatens to destabilize the state's social fabric.

The veteran politician also cited a lack of action from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, according to Pawar, has not visited Manipur despite the ongoing crisis there. Adding to the controversy, BJP Maharashtra President Chandrashekar Bawankule accused Pawar of using inflammatory language that could incite unrest, calling on him to help mitigate tensions instead.

(With inputs from agencies.)