Political rivals of BJP will not surrender, says Sharad Pawar

Nationalist Congress Party(NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said the BJP has a misconception that its political rivals will surrender under the threat of central probe agencies. He was answering a question about the alleged misuse of central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate by the BJP government.

He said what BJP is doing is not right. The NCP leader recounted that he also received a notice from ED and decided to go to the agency's office the next day. Pawar was named in a money laundering case in connection with an alleged scam at the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank just before the state Assembly polls in 2019. As the ED had not yet summoned him, senior police officials requested him not to visit the central agency office as it may create a law and order situation. Pawar later dropped the plan.

The veteran politician further said: "If we are strong and truthful, then there is no need to be afraid of repression. We need to stand up to them". Two NCP leaders Anil Deshmukh and Nawab Malik are currently in jail for money laundering charges.

Pawar further suggested that BJP leaders have not faced any struggles in life. "They think others have also never faced any difficulties either and will give in under pressure." He did not name the BJP in the statement.

He was speaking at a public interview. At the same event, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said Maharashtra will have the power to change the situation in entire India if the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government continues in the state.

Sharad Pawar has served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra thrice. He also held the posts of Union Minister of Defence and Union Minister of Agriculture. The politician founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 1999.