Supriya Sule highlights "ICE" as reason for leaders joining BJP

Mumbai: Supriya Sule, a three-time MP and daughter of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, is gearing up to contest once again from the Baramati constituency, a seat she has held since 2009.

Speaking to NDTV, Sule remarked that leaders from opposition parties are gravitating towards the BJP not out of ideological alignment, but due to the influence of "ICE - Income Tax, CBI, and ED." She emphasized that her focus remains on contesting from Baramati, a stronghold previously represented by her father, Sharad Pawar.

However, this election brings new dynamics, with the NCP witnessing a split between factions led by Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar, who has aligned with the BJP and Shiv Sena in the Maharashtra government. Sule will be contesting under the banner of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), representing the faction led by her father.

The electoral landscape in Baramati may witness a Pawar versus Pawar showdown, with reports suggesting that Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, a noted environmental activist, could challenge Sule for the seat.

Responding to queries about her opponent, Sule stated, "I don't know who is contesting against me because it has not been announced officially. I will tell you once that happens."

Discussing the prospects of the INDIA alliance and recent developments such as AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's arrest and the fragmentation of opposition parties, Sule expressed concern about the state of democracy. She criticized the trend of leaders defecting to the BJP, citing instances like Ashok Chavan's induction into the party despite previous criticism. Sule characterized this as a threat to democracy rather than genuine political realignment.

On her confidence in securing another victory in Baramati, Sule cited her track record of work and parliamentary performance. She asserted that there are no corruption allegations against her, further solidifying her position as a candidate.