Sharad Pawar Pledges Relentless Effort to Retake Maharashtra Ahead of Assembly Polls

NCP leader Sharad Pawar commits to tireless campaign efforts in Maharashtra ahead of state assembly elections, criticizes current administration, and reflects on agricultural initiatives from his tenure. Pawar also takes aim at PM Modi over the recent Shivaji statue collapse.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar has declared his unwavering commitment to regaining power in Maharashtra, promising to work tirelessly in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly elections. Speaking at the Yuva Sanvad program in Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, on Sunday, Pawar criticized both state and central administrations, pointing out widespread unrest among the populace.

"I assure you that we will not rest until we sit in power in Maharashtra within the next two months. Wherever I go in the country, I see unrest among the people," Pawar stated. The state is expected to witness elections for the 288-member legislative assembly later this year, with the current government's tenure ending in 2024. The Election Commission has yet to announce the exact dates.

Reflecting on his tenure as Union Minister under the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government, Pawar recalled, "I remember when I took over the responsibility of agriculture, the country's food grain stock had decreased, and I was very restless. The farmer is the backbone of the world, and initially, we had to import food grains, but later India became the top wheat producer." He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the collapse of the 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, suggesting that such incidents reflect poorly on the current administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)