Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent sharp attacks on NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar aim to diminish the sympathy factor in Pawar’s favour.
The BJP relies on Modi’s influence to overcome caste polarization and the personal appeal of rival parties, aiming to fulfil its ‘Mission Maharashtra’ goals.
In a shift from the past, Modi’s criticism of Pawar has become more severe, moving beyond policy disagreements to questioning Pawar’s political conduct.
The unexpected intensity of the campaign has surprised many within both the BJP and NCP (SP), given the previously cordial relationship between Modi and Pawar. At a recent rally in western Maharashtra, Modi commented, “There is a ‘wandering soul’ in Maharashtra. When it can’t achieve success, it takes on the role of a spoiler. Maharashtra has been held captive by this wandering soul.”
Modi continued, “If Pawar can’t manage his own family, how can he look after Maharashtra?”
Pawar responded to the attack by stating, “Yes, I am a ‘restless soul.’ My restlessness comes from concern for farmers facing hardship and the challenges faced by ordinary people due to inflation. I will gladly remain restless to draw attention to these issues.”
Pawar also noted the lack of family management on Modi’s part but refrained from making personal attacks.
A senior BJP functionary, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted, “In politics, as in love and war, all is fair. The term ‘wandering soul’ is often used for those pursuing goals without success.”
The BJP acknowledges that Pawar reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape after the 2019 Assembly elections by splitting the long-standing Shiv Sena-BJP alliance and forming a Congress-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition government, isolating the BJP politically.
State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule commented, “Had Uddhav Thackeray adhered to the public mandate after the 2019 polls, neither Thackeray nor Pawar would be facing the current party splits.”
Thackeray’s Sena is contesting 21 seats and Pawar’s NCP 10, totaling 31 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Congress is contesting the remaining 17 seats.
With Ajit Pawar-led NCP as an ally, the BJP had hoped to control all of western Maharashtra’s 11 LS seats. However, Pawar Senior has actively rebuilt old alliances to consolidate his party’s position.
The ongoing Maratha reservation debate has led to a Maratha versus OBC divide. The BJP seeks to focus on Modi’s leadership to counteract this division. A BJP strategist explained, “Modi’s attacks on Pawar and Thackeray aim to diminish their electoral base and limit their influence.”
Despite attempts to break the NCP and Shiv Sena, the BJP has not eradicated the electoral bases of Pawar Senior and Thackeray.
State NCP chief Jayant Patil said, “The nature of the attacks shows that the BJP fears Pawar and Thackeray, acknowledging their strong support bases.”
Though Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction has managed to win over most NCP MLAs and MPs, the shift in the vote bank remains unclear. Similarly, CM Eknath Shinde has taken most of Thackeray’s MLAs and MPs, but grassroots loyalty to the original party remains uncertain.
Modi’s criticisms of Pawar and Thackeray aim to expose their perceived leadership failures and sway their supporters.
While there have been instances of Modi and Pawar’s friendship turning into rivalry, both leaders have shown the ability to set aside political differences and coexist.
Last year in Shirdi, Modi questioned Pawar’s contribution to farmers’ welfare, noting, “A prominent leader who served as agriculture minister in Delhi… What did he do for farmers?” Modi expressed personal respect for Pawar despite the critique.
According to Patil, “The same Modi previously praised Pawar for his significant contributions to the agricultural sector.”
The leaders have exchanged harsh words in past elections only to later share a stage at award ceremonies.
After the BJP’s split in the NCP, Modi and Pawar shared a platform at an award event in Pune. At the Lokmanya Tilak National Award ceremony on August 1, where the PM received an award from the Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust on the 103rd death anniversary of freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak, the two leaders greeted each other warmly and shared smiles.
By Ikshvakuvanshi Ajay Kaushal
