Daijiworld Media Network - Pune

Pune, Jan 10: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the ruling alliance in the state, daring the BJP and Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to step out of power before accusing each other of corruption.

Addressing a press conference in Pune, Sapkal described the state government as a “triple-engine arrangement” of the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, alleging that the alliance exists solely to retain power.

“Ajit Pawar is openly accusing the BJP of being the most corrupt party, while the BJP is accusing Ajit Pawar of corruption. If both sides only want to exchange allegations, why are they clinging to power? Let them first step out of the government and then make accusations,” Sapkal said.

Referring to questions raised about the Parth Pawar land scam, Sapkal claimed that Ajit Pawar evades direct answers by resorting to slogans such as “Jai Jinendra” and “Jai Jain Boarding.” He accused the leaders of frequently shifting positions to suit their political convenience.

“These leaders are changing colours in a way that would put even a chameleon to shame,” Sapkal remarked. He asserted that if Ajit Pawar genuinely believes the BJP is corrupt, he should resign from the government, or alternatively, the BJP should withdraw its support to the NCP faction. “But that will not happen. Both parties are two sides of the same coin. There is no sense of morality left in the BJP, Shinde Sena or the NCP,” he alleged.

Turning his focus to Pune, Sapkal expressed concern over what he described as the city’s declining identity. He said Pune, once known for its rich cultural, educational and historical legacy, is now increasingly associated with drug trafficking, violent gangs, corruption and deteriorating infrastructure.

“Pune was the cradle of education and culture. Today, its image is being damaged. It is now up to the people of Pune to protect and uphold the true Puneri spirit,” he said.

Responding to another question, Sapkal also took aim at the BJP’s political approach, alleging that the party was willing to accommodate anyone for electoral gains. “The BJP has already inducted goons and hoodlums, and now even rapists have found a place in the party,” he claimed.