Ajit Pawar apologises for crude remarks

IANS/Mumbai

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar yesterday apologised hours after making certain remarks on people in the drought-hit areas of the state, which several parties termed as “shameful and objectionable.”

In a statement, Pawar said some of his statements at a meeting in Indapur, in his home district of Pune yesterday morning, had hurt the sentiments of the people of the state.

“My statements in Indapur were not related to the severe drought in the state, but since it has caused pain to the people, I humbly apologise for the same,” Pawar said in the statement in which the word “apology” figures thrice.

Known for his brashness, Pawar made some controversial comments which several parties and groups termed as “insulting” and “ridiculing the drought-hit population.”

“Who is that (Bhaisaheb) Deshmukh? What is the point of his protest? Will it yield water? When there is no water, where will I arrange water from? Should I urinate?” Pawar said.

He was referring to Deshmukh from Solapur who has been sitting on protest for the past two months at Azad Maidan in Mumbai demanding water for villages from the nearby Ujani Dam.

While the Shiv Sena said the remarks proved Pawar has “lost his mental balance”, the Aam Admi Party demanded his resignation.

Alleging that Pawar was responsible for the worst-ever drought in the state, the AAP claimed he was particularly piqued by the party’s protest on the issue on April 5.

“His statements today show his true face; a corrupt politician who has no empathy for the citizens. And to have such a man at a leadership role is a disaster for the state. What is even more shocking is that his statements were met with resonating laughter from the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) spectators,” the AAP said in a statement.

Ostensibly perturbed by the outrage against his remarks, Pawar issued the public apology and expressed his commitment to work for the welfare of the people in the drought-hit areas.

Pawar is the nephew of federal Agriculture Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

Ajit Pawar was set to hold a rally in Pune yesterday, but it was cancelled without giving any reasons.

The NCP is tight-lipped on the issue, but speaking on condition of anonymity, party leaders said they were shocked by Pawar’s statement. “Even as a joke, this is just unacceptable,” a senior leader said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party too slammed the comments.

“Making an ill-informed comment is a different thing but making such crude and arrogant comments... instead of saying that I stand by the public he makes comments like this. This is the lowest of low in Maharashtra politics,” BJP leader Shaina N C said.

The crude comments come at a time when many parts of Maharashtra, especially Marathwada, are reeling under a severe drought. Of the total 34 districts, the worst-affected are Solapur, Ahmednagar, Sangli, Pune, Satara, Beed and Nashik.

Ajit Pawar had to resign after allegations were levelled against him in a multi-billion rupee irrigation scam. However, the party reinstated him later.