In an effort to mediate tensions within the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi coalition caused by Rahul Gandhi’s harsh criticism of V. D. Savarkar, NCP chief Sharad Pawar has spoken to the Congress leadership on behalf of the Shiv Sena.
According to opposition sources, Congress has agreed to lessen its criticism of Savarkar, which has caused unease among the NCP and Shiv Sena, its coalition partners in Maharashtra.
Targeting Savarkar, a revered figure in Maharashtra, will not help the opposition alliance in the state, Pawar made clear during a meeting of opposition leaders called by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday night, according to two leaders who attended the meeting.
Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, both former presidents of the Congress, as well as representatives from the opposition parties, attended the meeting.
Pawar emphasised that the real battle for the opposition parties was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP and that Savarkar was never a member of the RSS in his conversation with Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi had stated that he was not Savarkar and would not apologise as the BJP intensified their attack on him and demanded an apology for “maligning” India during his recent trip to the UK.
Uddhav Thackeray, a former chief minister of Maharashtra, has criticised Gandhi for his attack on Savarkar and stated that his party will not put up with any insults to the freedom fighter. In protest at Gandhi’s remarks criticising Savarkar, the Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena had skipped the meeting called by Kharge.
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