KOLHAPUR: NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar faced the ire of Maratha activists who halted his convoy in Kurduvadi in Maharashtra’s Solapur district and later an activist tried self-immolation during his rally in Barshi on Sunday.
The activists demanded Pawar to clear his stance on Maratha reservation. They let him go after he expressed support for their cause. However, barely five minutes into his 20-minute speech at Barshi, Maratha activists started shouting slogans — “Ek Maratha Lakh Maratha, Manoj Jarange Tum Agey Bado Hum Tumhare Saath Hai” — and waved black flags. Pawar paused briefly before resuming his speech, highlighting farmers’ issues.
Soon after, a Maratha activist doused himself with petrol at the rally. Policemen standing nearby intervened quickly, extinguishing the flames. They later took him into custody.
Pawar alleged that PM Narendra Modi failed to fulfill his promise of doubling the farmers’ income. “Instead, the rate of farmer suicides has doubled. Farmers are not getting fair prices for their produce,” said Pawar.
He also accused the PM of neglecting youth issues. “They have no jobs. They are in depression which may plunge the economy in depression,” said Pawar.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword. Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes, messages, and quotes.