Pawar Stands Firm Against BJP Tie-Up
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar has firmly rejected speculation that his party will align with the BJP-led alliance. Speaking in Nagpur on Saturday, the veteran politician stated his faction will “never join hands” with the ruling bloc headed by his nephew, Ajit Pawar.
The statement comes amid mounting political tension over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s explosive allegations of voter roll manipulation in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Pawar described Gandhi’s presentation on the issue as “well-researched and well-documented,” stressing that the matter demands urgent scrutiny by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Backing Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations
“The issue raised by Rahul Gandhi with authentic proof cannot be ignored,” Pawar told reporters. “A detailed inquiry will bring out the truth. If there is no truth, the ECI should clearly say so.”
Gandhi has accused the BJP and the ECI of orchestrating “vote theft” in at least three states, calling it an “atom bomb on our democracy.” He claims the manipulation was carried out through large-scale voter roll changes, which compromised the electoral process.
The ECI, however, has dismissed Gandhi’s allegations as recycled claims already addressed by the Supreme Court. It has also asked Gandhi to submit details under oath, a move Pawar criticised. “It is not proper for the ECI to ask for an oath from him when he has already raised the matter in Parliament,” he said.
Questions Over Election Integrity
Pawar emphasised that the prestige of the ECI is at stake and that it must address doubts over the fairness of elections. He recounted a meeting before the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls where two individuals claimed the Opposition could win 160 of 288 seats. “I introduced them to Rahul Gandhi, but he believed we should go directly to the people,” Pawar revealed.
He accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of diverting attention from the core issue rather than addressing the allegations. Pawar also dismissed criticism from BJP leaders and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, insisting the Opposition seeks answers only from the ECI.
Opposition to March to ECI Office
In a show of unity, Pawar announced that Opposition parties will march to the ECI office on Monday to press for a formal probe into Gandhi’s claims. The INDIA bloc, comprising key opposition forces, is also expected to meet soon to decide its stand on the September 9 vice-presidential election.
Pawar downplayed reports of friction within the bloc over Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s seating arrangement at a recent dinner hosted by Gandhi. “It is like sitting at the back in a cinema for a better view,” he said, dismissing it as a trivial matter.
Political Stakes Remain High
The confrontation between the Opposition and the BJP over the integrity of the electoral process could shape the political climate ahead of upcoming state elections. For Pawar, the twin objectives are clear — safeguard electoral transparency and strengthen the Opposition’s position against the BJP-led government.
Observers note that Pawar’s public backing of Gandhi’s claims signals a stronger alignment within the INDIA bloc, even as internal rivalries persist. By refusing any alliance with the BJP, Pawar has drawn a firm political line, reinforcing his party’s role in the Opposition’s campaign for accountability.