Sharad Pawar Criticizes Devendra Fadnavis Over ‘Vote Jihad’ Remarks
Satara, Maharashtra
On November 16, NCP (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar addressed a press conference in Satara, Maharashtra, ahead of the state elections. He criticized Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for allegedly trying to create religious discord by using the term ‘Vote Jihad’.
Pawar highlighted issues such as farmer suicides, falling prices of crops like soybean and cotton, and unemployment among educated youth. He suggested that the people of Maharashtra desire change, as indicated by the defeat of Fadnavis’s party in the Lok Sabha elections.
Pawar also mentioned that while schemes like the Ladli Behan Yojana, which provides Rs 1500 to women monthly, are being introduced, they may not significantly impact people’s happiness.
Earlier, Fadnavis accused the opposition of engaging in ‘vote jihad’ and called for a ‘dharmyuddh’ or righteous battle of votes. The Maharashtra assembly elections are set for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23. The opposition MVA coalition aims to challenge the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Background
In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, the BJP won 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, Shiv Sena 63, and Congress 42.
Doubts Revealed
Sharad Pawar -: Sharad Pawar is a senior Indian politician and the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He has been involved in Indian politics for many years and has held various important positions.
Devendra Fadnavis -: Devendra Fadnavis is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has previously served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Vote Jihad -: The term ‘Vote Jihad’ is used to suggest that there is a religious or communal angle to the way votes are being sought or influenced. It is a controversial term and can create tension among different communities.
NCP (SP) -: NCP (SP) stands for Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar). It is a political party in India, and Sharad Pawar is its chief. The party is active mainly in the state of Maharashtra.
Farmer suicides -: Farmer suicides refer to the tragic incidents where farmers take their own lives, often due to financial distress, crop failure, or debt. It is a serious issue in India, especially in states like Maharashtra.
Ladli Behan Yojana -: Ladli Behan Yojana is a government scheme aimed at supporting girls and women, often through financial assistance or other benefits. Such schemes are intended to improve the welfare of women in society.
Dharmyuddh -: Dharmyuddh is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘righteous war’. In this context, it refers to a political battle or contest that is seen as a moral or ethical struggle, often used to rally support.
Maharashtra Elections -: Maharashtra Elections refer to the process where people in the state of Maharashtra vote to elect their government leaders. These elections are important for deciding who will govern the state.