Sharad Pawar Criticizes Stance on 'One Nation One Election'

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not synchronizing upcoming state elections despite advocating for 'one nation one election'. Commenting on election schedules and religious tensions, Pawar emphasized the need for peace and the responsibility of political leaders and the government to manage societal issues.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday openly questioned the inconsistency of upcoming state elections despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for 'one nation one election'.

Addressing the press in Nagpur, Pawar, 82, criticized the lack of synchronicity in the election dates, suggesting there is 'no truth in what PM Modi says'. Modi had advocated for simultaneous elections during his Independence Day speech.

The Election Commission recently announced multi-phase polls for Jammu and Kashmir and single-round voting in Haryana. However, it deferred the announcement for Maharashtra's elections, reasoning security needs in J&K. Critiquing this decision, Pawar linked it to the BJP-led Mahayuti's plans to 'fool' Maharashtra's populace.

When questioned about religious tensions sparked by remarks from Hindu leader Ramgiri Maharaj, Pawar urged for peace, highlighting the need for political prudence under current social conditions. He called for government accountability, particularly in managing communal reactions resulting from issues in Bangladesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)