I built NCP, they stole my party and its symbol: Sharad Pawar

Baramati: NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar launched the poll campaign for his party’s candidate from the Baramati Assembly constituency Yugendra Pawar on Tuesday.

Addressing a public meeting in Kanheri in Baramati, the senior politician expressed his unhappiness over the party split and criticised Ajit Pawar, along with the BJP.

‘They stole the party and the symbol’

In an emotionally charged speech, Sharad Pawar said, “I founded the NCP and they snatched it away from me. I never had to enter the court in my life. But it happened (after the split in the party).

“I established the NCP. You supported me and elected many representative from the party. It was my party but some people played tricks and claimed its ownership. They were from among us. They issued a summons against me, which had never happened before in my life. The Central government gave my party and its symbol to them. They stole my party and the symbol.

“During the rule of our party, Baramati had the Deputy Chief Minister five times. Why did he accept the position with the help of the BJP? I was the Leader of the Opposition and never let my people down. I set up the Vidya Pratishthan in 1972. Yugendra looks after it. I also started an agriculture institution in 1972, which has grown big today. Rajendra Pawar is heading it. I established such institutions with the cooperation of you all.

“You succeed sometimes and fail sometimes in politics. Your colleagues should not leave you because you are not in power. Some of us (Ajit Pawar) got up early and took the oath of office. They woke up the Governor at 6 am and were sworn in. They alleged that I was responsible for breaking the family. It is my responsibility to maintain the family unity.

“I gave positions to others but not to Supriya. She is my daughter. She never demanded any position. While doing this, the sole thought in my mind was the unity of family.

“I gave the authority of the institutions to them. Then why would this happen? He (Ajit Pawar) said in his speech yesterday that I broke the family. My parents, my brothers never taught me such things. I never looked into family activities and farming. I was busy in politics with the blessings of my brother. Some people took different stands but I never broke my ties with them.”

Imitates Ajit Pawar

Sharad Pawar said, “Supriya was contesting the Lok Sabha elections six months ago. He (Ajit Pawar) appealed to the people, in his speech: ‘Saheb would make an emotional appeal. He might weep. Do not become emotional! (Imitates Ajit Pawar by moving a handkerchief over his face)

“This party is not founded on emotions. It is based on principles propagated by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Yashwantrao Chavan, Mahatma Phule and Rajarshi Shahu. We have to change the parties in the government. I am touring Maharashtra. I want to give power back to the people. Give it to those who work for farmers.”

Attack on Modi, comments on agriculture, industry and employment

Though PM Narendra Modi visited Baramati and gave a speech favouring farmers’ interests, Sharad Pawar raised doubts about his party’s policies. He said, “If someone is not doing justice to farmers, they cannot be our colleagues. Thousands of youths lost job opportunities as industries were shifted from Maharashtra to Gujarat. This has happened with regard to Vedanta-Foxconn and Airbus projects.

“Debt burden on farmers is increasing in the State. They are restless. They are suffering losses because there is an export ban on soybean. Those working against farmers’ interest should be defeated.”

Taking note of industrialists’ contribution

Sharad Pawar said, “Tata Group played an important part in the country’s development. It generated employment in India. The Tatas decided to set up the Airbus project in Maharashtra. But it was taken to Gujarat. The Prime Minister encouraged setting up projects in Gujarat and ignored Maharashtra.”

Tradition of poll campaign continues

Sharad Pawar followed the tradition of kicking off his poll campaign from Baramati. He said, “I have always started the poll campaign from this place in the past 55 years. I am sure voters will bless us this time too.”