11 May,2024 05:08 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondent
Sharad Pawar/ File Photo
During a rally in Beed, NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he cannot manage criticism and unfairly targets Muslims. Pawar also accused Modi of ignoring farmer welfare and women's rights.
Pawar cited Modi's recent attacks on him during the election campaign, calling his remarks "baseless". He attacked Modi's leadership, claiming that his government has failed to address farmers' concerns and has ignored incidences of violence against women, reported PTI.
The former Union agriculture minister, per the news agency report, said, "Modi can't tolerate criticism but he speaks anything against others. These days he is openly targeting Muslims, when as the prime minister, he should stand for citizens of all castes and creeds. The hatred for Muslims is visible."
"The Modi government has done nothing for the welfare of farmers in the last ten years. His government has also turned a blind eye to atrocities against women," he added.
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According to the news agency, referring to Modi's advice for the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) to form alliances with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde following the election results, Pawar rejected the suggestion, emphasising his commitment to parliamentary democracy. He also expressed opposition to Modi's divisive tactics.
On Friday, Modi asked the NCP (SP) led by Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray to join hands with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, respectively, after the results of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 are out instead of merging with 'dying' Congress.
Pawar advised voters to evaluate the consequences of supporting Modi's government, emphasising the need to uphold democratic norms. He emphasised his opposition to forming agreements with parties that threaten democratic norms, the report added.
"Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren were arrested and put behind bars. This (the arrests) would not have been possible without the role of the Central government and Central leadership. This shows how much faith they have in the democratic system," Sharad Pawar said.
Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, is voting in five stages, with the next two rounds set for May 13 and 20.
