Mumbai, Nov 9 (PTI) Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam on Monday wondered if Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare wanted to become deputy chief minister after Ajit Pawar’s death in an air accident and suggested the ongoing probe into the crash should cover that potential angle.
The NCP, part of the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, took strong exception to Kadam’s remarks and said it was inappropriate to make accusations without proof.
“He (Takare) finishes those who grow close to him. I am learning for the first time that he wanted to become deputy chief minister. Then doubt arises whether he had a role to play in Ajit Pawar’s accident. So, Tatkare (the air crash case) must be probed from that angle,” Kadam said.
Kadam was responding to a question on Tatkare allegedly wanting to become deputy CM after the death of Ajit Pawar in an air crash in January this year.
Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra, was sworn in as deputy CM after his death.
NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil asked Kadam to substantiate his allegations against Tatkare with evidence, saying it was inappropriate to make accusations without proof.
“Considering the seriousness of the allegations, Ramdas Bhai Kadam should produce evidence if he has any,” Patil insisted.
He said the allegations appeared to have been made against the backdrop of past political rivalry and power struggles in the Konkan region, which was traditionally considered a stronghold of the united Shiv Sena.
Both Kadam and Tatkare hail from the coastal region.
Patil said Tatkare would hold a press conference to clarify the allegations.
He pointed out that this was not the first time Kadam had levelled allegations against Tatkare.
“Being a senior leader, Ramdas Bhai Kadam is respected by everyone. We want that respect to continue. For that, he should make responsible statements,” Patil said.
The rivalry between the Shiv Sena and the NCP, especially the Tatkare family, is not new. Both camps have been rivals for years.
Despite the NCP and the Shiv Sena being allies within the Mahayuti coalition, underlying tensions between them continue to simmer across the Raigad-Ratnagiri region.
Kadam alleged that despite the NCP being a part of the Mahayuti, Tatkare worked against his son and Shiv Sena minister Yogesh in the Dapoli constituency and helped Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bhaskar Jadhav in the Guhagar seat, which his party lost. PTI PR MR RSY
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.