Will Ajit Pawar's insensitivity end his career?

A string of controversial comments has put the Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s credibility on the line, with the future of his political career now at stake

A string of controversial comments has put the Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s credibility on the line, with the future of his political career now at stake.

Touted as the next-generation leader, following in the footsteps of his uncle NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Ajit has attracted unwanted attention for his comments that have been laced with crass humour in the recent past.

Disparaging remarks
Exactly a year ago, he mocked a farmer from a drought-hit area who was on a hunger strike. Pawar had said, “If there is no water in the dam, how can we release it? Should we urinate into it?” He had also made disparaging remarks while referring to the load shedding situation in parts of the state.

Video threatening villagers
Now, video footage of him has surfaced, threatening villagers in Masalwadi of a water cut if they did not vote for his cousin Supriya Sule. Pawar Junior has denied making the comments, alleging that it’s not his voice and that someone has mimicked him to tarnish his image.

The incident has, however, casts doubts on his defence. Baramati has been the fiefdom of the Pawars for over four decades, and they enjoy immense clout there. So, it’s highly unlikely that someone could have doctored a video to frame Ajit.

Secondly, the comment adds credibility to the rumours that the Pawars are nervy in the ongoing elections. Recently, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had to face a barrage of criticism following his comments asking Mathadi workers to vote twice by erasing the indelible ink from their fingers. And then his nephew put his foot in his mouth again.

Even after facing protests for his earlier remarks, Pawar Junior is fast losing credibility. One hopes that the Election Commission, which has so far done a great job, brings out the truth and shows complacent, callous, and inconsiderate leaders their real place.

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