Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule criticized the Maharashtra government on Friday, alleging that both opposition members and ruling partners are facing intimidation in the state.
She made these comments while speaking to reporters in Pune.
Sule responded to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ reaction to Sharad Pawar’s accusation that NCP MLA Sunil Shelke had threatened NCP (SP) leaders. Fadnavis considered Pawar’s comments a threat and suggested that it diminished his stature as a leader. Sule countered by stating, “Stature is determined by society, not by any individual. If Devendra ji, as the home minister, had performed well, there would have been no need for Pawar saheb to express his concerns.” She also highlighted concerns raised by BJP leader Harshvardhan Patil regarding threats from alliance partners in Pune.
Sule criticized the state government as “abki baar, golibar sarkar,” making reference to recent incidents, including a shooting involving a BJP MLA in Ulhasnagar.
She also mentioned drug seizures in Pune and disturbances caused by a gang, attributing responsibility to the home ministry. Sule concluded by stating, “Unfortunately, this state government is not only threatening opposition members but also alliance partners.”
Regarding Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s comments about Nitin Gadkari’s absence from the BJP’s Lok Sabha candidates’ list, Sule expressed confusion about the party’s current state and praised Gadkari as a national leader representing the “original BJP.” She highlighted Gadkari’s democratic beliefs and hinted at a respectful reception for him in MVA.
Sule concluded by stating, “He is someone who does not consider opposition leaders as his enemy. He believes in democracy, and that is why there will always be respect for him.”