Daijiworld Media Network – Solapur

Solapur, Nov 29: Solapur Guardian Minister Jayakumar Gore launched a sharp counterattack on Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar without naming him, alleging that some leaders forget development as soon as they arrive in the district and instead resort to intimidation. Speaking at a programme in Wadala, Gore said the BJP has the strength to protect its workers and warned that no one should issue threats in Solapur.

Gore remarked that people from the same village know both the "berry and the babhul", hinting that he understands the political games being played. He added that BJP always stands firmly with those who join hands with the party and there is no need for anyone to feel pressured.

His statement comes a day after Ajit Pawar targeted Rajan Patil, who recently shifted from NCP to BJP, without naming him. Pawar had remarked that every leader has his time and those who try to bully others are eventually pushed aside. The comments were made against the backdrop of the high-voltage Angar Nagar Panchayat episode, which has been in the spotlight over the last several days.

Rajan Patil, who has long held power in Angar, had secured all 17 seats unopposed. However, when his daughter-in-law entered the fray for the post of Nagaradhyaksha, the Ajit Pawar faction fielded Ujjwala Thite. Allegations soon surfaced that Thite was prevented from even filing her nomination due to an atmosphere of fear in Angar. Her nomination was later rejected on technical grounds in a dramatic turn of events. Thite moved court, but her petition was dismissed. She had later vowed to continue her fight against Patil.

Against this backdrop, Ajit Pawar attended a programme in Wadala on Thursday, where Ujjwala Thite was felicitated. Responding to Pawar’s earlier remarks, Gore asserted that BJP is fully capable of shielding its workers and leaders from pressure tactics and warned that such threats will no longer be tolerated in the district.