Speaking at a function at Bhokardan in Jalna district, Pawar said rapists deserved no mercy and should be hanged.
Reacting to the senior NCP leader's remarks, opposition Shiv Sena alleged he was making such statements in a bid to divert attention from the failure of the state government under Congress-NCP combine in curbing crime against women.
"Ajit Pawar has made this statement in a bid to divert the state government's failure. It is a poor attempt by him," said Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe.
Pawar's remark had had caused a flutter and perceived as disdainful to farmers, prompting him to apologise later.
Terming Pawar's statement is a mere eyewash, Gorhe said, "The government should instead answer real issues like poor conviction rate and non-implementation of laws related to women security.
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