Pawar launches NCP's poll campaign for Maharashtra

He also questioned NDA government's decision to appoint former Supreme Court Chief Justice P Sathasivam as Kerala governor

NCP president Sharad Pawar here today launched his party's campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly polls, expressing hope that the people would "elect us for the fourth consecutive term."

"There was talk of "a wave" in the country during the Lok Sabha polls. However, the results of Lok Sabha polls and state polls vary. People of the state will wisely decide whom to hand over the reins," Pawar said, addressing a public meeting.

"We are going to face the people seeking votes because we want to make Maharashtra a progressive state," Pawar said.

He questioned NDA government's decision to appoint former Supreme Court Chief Justice P Sathasivam as Kerala governor.

"There are rumours that the appointment of Justice Sathasivam was a thanks-giving for his allegedly favourable stand in a case relating to BJP president Amit Shah," he said. "I don't know how much truth is there to the allegations that it was a quid pro quo," Pawar said.

Targeting Shah, Pawar said, "His diary is full of dates of court cases, so he has the right to allege scams against Maharashtra government."

As to several NCP leaders, including former ministers joining BJP recently, Pawar said, "I don't want to comment on the opportunistic stance of some from NCP who have left the party and joined BJP. I am asking partymen not even to mention their names. Let's think the party has been cleansed."

"If we have to ensure that Maharashtra remains united, we have to take care that there is balanced development in all regions, be it Vidarbha, Marathwada or western Maharashtra," Pawar said, with apparent reference to BJP's support for separate Vidarbha.