Sharad Pawar on PM's 'bhatakti aatma' jibe: 'I am restless over farmers' plight'

Sharad Pawar on PM’s ‘bhatakti aatma’ jibe: ‘I am restless over farmers’ plight’

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his ‘bhatakti aatma’ (wandering soul) jibe. PM Modi had indirectly targeted Pawar, referring to a ‘bhatakti aatma’ in Maharashtra that obstructs progress.Â

The PM’s remark came during an election rally in support of four Lok Sabha candidates of the ruling ‘Mahayuti’ alliance in Pune district — Murlidhar Mohol (Pune city), Sunetra Pawar (Baramati), Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil (Shirur) and Srirang Barne (Maval).

In response, Sharad Pawar, whose party is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, said he was indeed restless over the hardship faced by the farmers and the common man.Â

Sharad Pawar, speaking at an election rally in Pune, said he read PM Modi’s speech and the (‘bhatakti aatma’) statement.

“It is correct that the soul is ‘asvastha’ (restless) but not for the self but to highlight the hardships faced by farmers. I am restless to put forward the plight of the common man suffering from inflation. I am ready to be restless 100 times to highlight the woes of the people,” Sharad Pawar said.

He also referenced PM Modi’s earlier statement about entering politics with his guidance.

“Some years ago, PM Modi had delivered a speech in Pune stating that he (Modi) had come into politics by holding the finger of Pawar saheb. Yesterday, he said a ‘restless’ soul in Maharashtra has been causing restlessness across the state for the last 45 years.

“Modi had also said this soul was creating obstacles for the government. He also spoke about the need to safeguard against this soul,” Pawar

Additionally, Pawar criticised PM Modi’s labeling of Rahul Gandhi as a ‘shehzada’ (prince). He highlighted the sacrifices made by Gandhi family for the country across three generations.

He then attacked PM Modi over inflation and price rises.Â

“Modi asked what he (Pawar) has done all these years. Rather, he (Modi) should answer these questions because he has been in power for the last 10 years. He doesn’t answer (these questions) but has only one-point agenda to criticise others,” Sharad Pawar said.

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