Any sensible govt would understand protesting farmers: Sharad Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar. File pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

It was required of any sensible government to understand the sentiments of the [protesting] farmers. But it didn't happen, so there will be consequences of the same," NCP chief Sharad Pawar said on Friday.

Farmers have been protesting near the Delhi border seeking withdrawal of the Centre's three new farm laws. "The farmers are protesting in such cold... and have occupied a 5 kilometre stretch. They are firm on their demands," Pawar told reporters.

On a query on the mass contact programme to collect funds for Ram temple construction in Ayodhya, Pawar said it's the right of any organisation to seek funds. "But I have heard, I don't know how far it is true, that governors of states are also taking part in it. If that news is true, then it is strange," Pawar said, without naming anyone.

The former Union minister said a governor holds a key post and belongs to the state and all its people. "It would be a sign of being sensible for them [governors] to keep away from such issues on which people held opposite views," he added.

On the issue of renaming Aurangabad and Osmanabad cities, Pawar said he does not look at it seriously. "There is no discord among us. You call it Aurangabad, Dharashiv or call it by any other name. I don't look at this issue seriously. Hence, I have not commented on this," he added.

He added that there was no discord in Maha Vikas Aghadi constituents - Shiv Sena, NCP and the Congress - on it. The Shiv Sena has been pitching for renaming Aurangabad and Osmanabad as Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv, respectively. The Congress had earlier expressed its opposition to renaming Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar.