Maharashtra Politics: Ajit Pawar's Absence at RSS Tribute Stirs Debate

The absence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at a tribute to RSS founder K B Hedgewar fuels political debate. Despite aligning with the Mahayuti alliance for state development, Pawar and NCP's stance on RSS remains distinct. Criticism from opposition highlights ongoing ideological divides.

In Maharashtra's political landscape, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's absence at a tribute to RSS founder K B Hedgewar in Nagpur on Sunday has sparked debate. His party, the National Congress Party (NCP), insists its alignment with the Mahayuti alliance focuses on state development.

NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjpe highlighted the party's adherence to the progressive ideologies of Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, stating that Pawar's absence was not unprecedented. Despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and BJP legislators visiting the memorial, NCP members stayed away, reaffirming their ideological integrity.

As the winter session of the state legislature unfolds, opposition voices challenge the NCP's position, with Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticizing the RSS as anti-democratic. The controversy underscores Maharashtra's political complexities amid ongoing ideological debates.

(With inputs from agencies.)