Political Rift Unfolds in Maharashtra: Ajit Pawar's Absence From RSS Memorial Sparks Controversy

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar avoided a visit to the RSS founder's memorial, sparking criticism from NCP leader Jitendra Awhad. Awhad accused Pawar of duplicitous politics and highlighted various government failures, including broken promises to ASHA workers and laxity in handling vandalism and sexual assault cases.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's decision to skip visiting the RSS founder's memorial in Nagpur has triggered a political firestorm. His colleagues, Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, visited the site ahead of a major state function, drawing attention to Pawar's conspicuous absence.

NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad criticized Pawar for his duplicity, claiming he tries to project an independent image despite sharing power with the BJP. Awhad also dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology regarding a collapsed Shivaji Maharaj statue as insincere and irrelevant, questioning why Modi brought up the long-past Veer Savarkar controversy.

The veteran legislator also lambasted the state government for its failure to arrest suspects involved in various criminal incidents and for not fulfilling promises made to ASHA workers, whose income has suffered due to policy changes. Awhad additionally revealed a controversy involving the state health minister's inflated vehicle purchase proposal, which Pawar had objected to.

(With inputs from agencies.)