Sharad Pawar says, we will never surrender rulers in Delhi

NCP president Sharad Pawar on Sunday said his party will never surrender before the “rulers in Delhi” and urged non-BJP parties to work together to keep the saffron party away from power. Addressing the eighth national convention of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) here, Pawar slammed the Modi government over rising inflation, unemployment, its handling of the farmers’ protests and “fanning hatred” against religious minorities in the country. We have to democratically challenge the present government, which is misusing central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and money power. We have to be prepared for a fight, the Rajya Sabha member told party workers. Pawar also stressed on nurturing young leadership by giving them primacy in the upcoming elections to the city corporations, zilla parishad and panchayat samitis across the country.

Briefing the media, senior NCP leader Praful Patel said Pawar was uniquely placed to play a strong role in uniting the opposition forces. At the same time, he brushed aside rumours that the octagenarian was a claimant to the prime minister's post, but said he always pursued constructive politics. The national convention was also addressed by senior leaders P C Chacko, Chhagan Bhujbal, Supriya Sule, Jayant Patil, Amol Kolhe and Fouzia Khan, among others.