Lok Sabha elections 2024: There will be protests in every taluka if his party's Satara candidate is arrested, warns Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar. Pic/PTI

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he will ensure democratic protests in every taluka of Maharashtra if his party's candidate from Satara, Shashikant Shinde, was arrested, reported news agency PTI.

Speaking at a Lok Sabha elections 2024 rally in Satara, Pawar said a case was registered against Shinde in the "APMC FSI matter" on Friday night.

"Attempt is being made to bar him from contesting elections. If that happens and he is arrested, I will ensure that each and every taluka (tehsil) protests in a democratic manner," the veteran politician said, reported PTI.

People needed to be alert and effect a change in the government through the ballot box as democracy was under threat, he further said.

Shinde, in his speech, said no matter how many cases were registered against him, he would never leave Sharad Pawar, reported PTI.

The BJP has fielded Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, from this western Maharashtra constituency.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the Shiv Sena (UBT) should be ashamed for disregarding the principles of Bal Thackeray and having to vote for the Congress.

The Congress has fielded Varsha Gaikwad from Mumbai North Central Lok Sabha seat, from where Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is a voter.

Gaikwad had met Thackeray on Friday and the latter had assured her of victory.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress are part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which also has the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP).
Speaking at a massive Lok Sabha elections 2024 rally in Kolhapur which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde said the move was a diversion from Bal Thackeray's resolve of not allowing the (undivided) Shiv Sena to become like the Congress.

"The Shiv Sena (UBT) should be ashamed of itself," the Maharashtra CM asserted.

Speaking at the rally, Shinde said the PM had selflessly dedicated himself in the service of the nation whereas the opposition lacked any kind of leadership.

Slamming Rahul Gandhi and the state of the Congress, he said the grand old party was like a seed that was sprouting discord.

(With inputs from PTI)