Ajit Pawar condemns ally Sadabhau Khot's remarks on his uncle Sharad Pawar

PUNE: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has expressed strong disapproval of the derogatory comments made against his uncle and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar by ruling Mahayuti legislator Sadabhau Khot, stating firmly that such remarks are unacceptable.

Following the controversy that emerged before the November 20 state elections, Khot, who founded Rayat Kranti Sanghatana and is aligned with the state's ruling Mahayuti coalition, issued a video message on Thursday offering his apology and withdrawing his statements if they had wounded anyone's feelings.

At a public gathering held on Wednesday at Jath in Sangli district, Khot's remarks about senior Pawar's health status drew sharp reactions from both wings of the NCP. The event was attended by BJP's senior leader and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

In response to Khot's statements, Ajit Pawar expressed strong disapproval through a post on X on Wednesday. Having split from Sharad Pawar's faction in the previous year to align with the Eknath Shinde-BJP administration, he firmly stated that such condemnable and unsuitable remarks would not be accepted.

"Whatever he (Khot) said was highly condemnable and connotes 'vinash kale viprit buddhi' (a person thinks adversely when his destruction is around)," Ajit Pawar said.

Yashwantrao Chavan, who previously served as the state chief minister, exemplified proper conduct in political affairs, particularly in maintaining decorum whilst addressing political opponents. His successors in the chief minister's office continued to uphold these principles of dignified political discourse.

"The remarks made by Khot are highly condemnable and I have already condemned it," the deputy CM said.

Ajit Pawar also mentioned that he called Khot to express his displeasure over the statement.

"I told him that nobody liked your remarks about Pawar saheb. I told him that making personal remarks about someone is not our method. I also told him that it must not happen against Pawar saheb or any leader, irrespective of any party," he said.

Ajit Pawar emphasised that whilst political disagreements exist, they should be expressed with appropriate restraint and decorum.

The NCP leader mentioned that Khot has provided assurance against such future occurrences.

Through a video statement, Khot clarified that he had not intentionally commented about anyone's physical attributes.

"It is colloquial lingo in rural areas and some people misconstrued my remarks, but if someone's sentiments have been hurt, I take back my words and express an apology," he said.

(With inputs from agency)
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