Daijiworld Media Network – Pune
Pune, Jul 5: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) Maharashtra president Shashikant Shinde on Saturday dismissed speculation about the party merging with the Congress, asserting that no such discussions had taken place and alleging that the rumours were being spread to weaken the Opposition.
Addressing reporters after a meeting of party office-bearers and workers from Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune district, Shinde said the ruling alliance was deliberately creating confusion to break Opposition unity following the recent split in the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction.
"There is no question of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) merging with the Congress. No such discussions have taken place. These rumours are being spread only to destabilise the Opposition," he said.
Shinde added that the party would continue to function under the guidance of Sharad Pawar and the leadership of Supriya Sule. He also referred to MP Dr Amol Kolhe's recent statement reaffirming his commitment to the party's current leadership.
Party spokesperson Ankush Kakade and city president Shrikant Patil were among those present at the meeting.
Targeting the Maharashtra government, Shinde alleged that despite being in power at every level, it had failed to ensure quality public works and was shielding contractors. Referring to the alleged substandard work on the Connecting Link project, he accused the government of overlooking irregularities.
He also criticised the state over the law and order situation, claiming that the Home Department and the police had lost their deterrent effect, leading to an increase in crime.
Shinde further accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of using religion as a means to generate political and financial gains.
"The BJP's new agenda is to undertake activities in the name of religion and make money. Power has been secured and funds generated in the name of the Ram Temple and religion," he alleged.
He claimed that even the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had raised concerns over the issue and questioned whether donations made for the Ram Temple had been misused for political purposes.
Referring to the ongoing works for the Nashik Kumbh Mela, Shinde alleged that questions had been raised in the state legislature over an alleged multi-crore road construction scam. He claimed there was growing resentment among Ram devotees and Hindus over the issue and said his party would launch an agitation against any misuse of donations.