The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) are trading barbs over the controversy surrounding self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, triggering a fresh political row in the state.
NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar has alleged that the BJP is deliberately amplifying the issue to tarnish the image of its allies and create mistrust within the ruling alliance. The BJP, however, has hit back strongly, asking Pawar Jr. to focus on internal issues within his own party instead of questioning others, further escalating the war of words between the two sides.
Grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, Rohit, on X posted that there had been reports that the BJP’s allies in power were trying to poach MLAs and MPs from the Opposition, but the reality seemed very different. “There is strong information that by the end of next month, a ‘big party in power’ may actually target its own allies. Today, the BJP may be showing a friendly attitude towards its allies, but tomorrow those same allies may feel betrayed. So, it would be wise for the allies to remain cautious to avoid being targeted themselves,” he posted.
War of words over godman
Arrested self-styled godman from Nashik, Ashok Kharat
In a veiled attack on the BJP, Pawar alleged that the arrest of Ashok Kharat, a Nashik-based self-proclaimed godman, which had brought embarrassment to the state, had not come out on its own. It appeared to have been deliberately brought forward, and the incident may just be the beginning. Photos of several political leaders from Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP seen with Ashok Kharat have caused embarrassment for the ruling alliance and its allies.
BJP hits back
BJP leader and MLC Praveen Darekar rejected the allegations and said that instead of making baseless statements, Pawar should focus on what is happening within his own party, referring to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP.
