Mumbai: The BJP and its allies are attempting to create a “communal situation” in the country, according to NCP head Sharad Pawar, whose remarks come amid violence in multiple states during Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, as well as a debate in Maharashtra over loudspeakers atop mosques.
On the other hand, the NCP, a constituent of the Shiv Sena-led MVA government in the state, was at the forefront of creating an atmosphere of harmony among people, he said.
In a series of tweets, Mr Pawar said spread of communal ideology is a “matter of concern” and added the NCP will also flag issues relating to common citizens such as rise in prices of petrol, diesel, gas and edible oil.
“The BJP and its associates are trying to create communal situation in the country. We are taking part in works of creating awareness among the people and creating atmosphere to ensure harmony among them,” Mr Pawar tweeted in Marathi.
During Ram Navami, violence erupted in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jharkhand, while fights erupted during a Hanuman Jayanti parade in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri district on Saturday, injuring nine police officers and a civilian.
In Maharashtra, MNS chief Raj Thackeray has requested that loudspeakers be removed from mosques by May 3 due to noise pollution, and has threatened to play Hanuman Chalisa at a greater volume outside mosques if his demand is not granted. Raj Thackeray’s demand has been backed by the BJP.
Without naming anyone, the former Union Agriculture minister also said on the micro-blogging site that many leaders have expressed a wish to bring together parties opposed to the BJP.
He said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has informed him about it in writing.
“She is expecting (Maharashtra) Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and me to take initiative in this regard. We will make the final decision after speaking to other leaders. But no date has been fixed yet (for such a meeting),” he added.
Mr Pawar, who visited Bengaluru on Monday, said the NCP is building its organisation at the national-level and noted Karnataka, where assembly polls are due in 2023, is one of the states where the party’s base is weak.
Mr Pawar added he or his party colleagues will visit the BJP-ruled southern state in between over the next year to expand its activities and base there.
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