Won’t tolerate such agitations against Ajit Pawar: Deepak Mankar

Pune: NCP (AP) City Unit President Deepak Mankar has warned workers of Samata Parishad that a fitting reply would be given to them in the future for their agitation against party President and DyCM Ajit Pawar.

Samata Parishad activists launched a ‘Jode Maro’ stir in the city by hitting shoes, chappals against an image of Ajit Pawar. They protested the non-inclusion of their leader Chhagan Bhujbal in the State Cabinet by holding Pawar responsible for it.

The enraged supporters of Bhujbal staged the agitation on Tuesday (December 17). The NCP (AP) expressed displeasure over the stir. Deepak Mankar addressed a press meet and explained his position.

Mankar said, “Ajit Pawar has always provided opportunities to leaders from various castes and religions. He inducted four OBC leaders into the cabinet. Pawar also named leaders from other communities. He has made Bhujbal’s son an MLC. Bhujbal alone is not the leader of the OBCs.

“It is a serious matter that Samata Parishad workers struck Ajit Pawar’s photo with footwear. Pawar is our party’s national leader. Bhujbal should pacify his supporters. We will not tolerate such things in the future. We will give a fitting reply.”

When asked if the two factions of the NCP would come together, Mankar said, “It will be a moment of joy if both factions unite. We will welcome it.”