Akela
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and Union Minister Sharad Pawar on Sunday found himself at the centre of a controversy. Pawar allegedly suggested his party workers to take advantage of the multi-phase polling in the state. He asked workers to vote twice, first at their hometowns and then at places of work.
Pawar, a very strong personality in Indian politics was addressing to ‘mathadi’ workers in APMC Market, Navi Mumbai. He allegedly told Vote for the clock (NCP symbol) there (in Satara) and come back to vote for the clock here as well. Pawar, the student union activist-turned-national leader warned voters to take necessary precautions. ‘Do erase the ink mark which will be put when you vote first,’ he said.
Pawar’s remarks came a day after his party MLC Dhananjay Munde disclosed that in the 2009 polls, he had at the behest of his now estranged uncle and BJP leader Gopinath Munde, facilitated bogus voting in Beed district.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya to file police complaint against Pawar on Monday. He will meet Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjeev Dayal and register complaint. AAP leaders will also complaint against Pawar with election commission.
Pawar Says…
In a hurriedly called press conference Pawar said, “The controversy with regard to his statement speech to Mathadi workers needs to be sorted out and be put to rest. Firstly, I was not addressing any public or election meeting. It was a 32nd death anniversary meet of late Annasaheb Patil where mathadi workers had assembled to pay homage to their departed leader. Secondly, my expressions on ink of voting erasement was purely a humour and was not at all suggestive of any act in breach of electoral laws and rule.”