The outcome of upcoming Assembly polls in the five states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will give a new direction to the country, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said.
Pawar claimed that barring the northeastern state, the BJP would be defeated in all other places.
According to him, the BJP is better posed to win the elections in Assam where it is in power. Meanwhile, other parties are likely to form governments in the other states.
“The results for sure would give a new direction to the country,” the 80-year-old politician told reporters in his hometown of Baramati in Pune district on Sunday.
Four-time Maharashtra Chief Minister and ex-Union Minister Pawar feels that these polls are very crucial. “In Kerala, the Left government is in place…the NCP is an ally…the Left-NCP combine will get a clear-cut majority,” he said.
In West Bengal, Pawar accused the Centre and the BJP of “grossly abusing its power” to target the ruling AITMC leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is fighting a single-handed battle for the people of her state.
“The people of West Bengal are self-respecting… If anyone tries to attack the Bengali culture, ethos and pride, the whole state will stand up unitedly and retaliate…” Pawar warned. “Mamata Banerjee will return to power, no matter whosoever may claim anything,” he said.
Pawar said that in Tamil Nadu the situation seems to be in favour of the opposition DMK and M K Stalin which will unseat the ruling AIADMK. “People of the state will wholeheartedly support him to take over the reins of the state, Pawar said.
Pawar hits out at Maharashtra governor
Pawar also hit out at Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari for not clearing the 13 names that the Maha Vikas Aghadi had submitted for nominations to the Legislative Council.
“As per Constitution, it is mandatory for the Governor to accept the Cabinet recommendations. It is unfortunate that the Governor is not fulfilling his constitutional obligation. This has never happened in the state…it is an unfortunate miracle,” Pawar said. “It is worrisome that in a state like Maharashtra, the Governor is acting in this fashion while the Central government is quietly watching,” he added.