Maharashtra: ‘Those crying now had one foot in BJP’

Uddhav Thackeray, while not saying much on NCP chief's resignation, assured that the latter wouldn't do anything that could harm the MVA's interests. But, when asked whether he too, like Congress leaders, suspected the intentions of some people in the NCP, he asked a reporter, "Have you read the editorial in today's Saamna?".

The editorial did indeed raise many questions and attempted to find out the reasons, prominent among them being the possibility of a split, for the octogenarian's sudden announcement.

The editorial is seen as the party chief's official opinion, which in a way is Uddhav's endorsement.

Sanjay Raut, Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar during a show-of-strength meeting in 2019. Pic/Ashish Rane

The editorial said the episode that unfolded at the YB Chavan Centre was an unwritten autobiographical chapter of Pawar's glorious political career. It said the announcement was planned, but disagreed with Ajit Pawar's revelation that the announcement was slated to be made on May 1, but was delayed by a day because of the MVA rally on Maharashtra Day. The editorial dealt with Ajit in many ways as it progressed.

The editorial said many in the NCP who sobbed and fell at Pawar's feet following the resignation, actually had one foot already in the BJP camp. It said the boss had unmasked these leaders, the fence sitters, who would defy him and leave the party one day, though they maintained for the world that "we're nothing without you".

Also Read: BREAKING: I have decided to step down as NCP president, says Sharad Pawar

"It is not wrong if Pawar thought of retiring with grace and honour before seeing the party split. One section of the NCP has already reached the BJP's doorsteps and ready to move out But before they could create a quake, Pawar has caused a much bigger quake by resigning suddenly."

The editorial said Pawar was a full-time politician and his move led many to try and find out the reasons for his quitting. It said it could be because of the discomfort that the Central agencies like ED have created for some NCP leaders, and also because Pawar wanted to stop Ajit and his gang from taking a different position. It said Ajit's ultimate political goal was to become the chief minister of Maharashtra.

It further said that Pawar might have tested the waters, the support of his rank and file in case some MLAs crossed over to the BJP in the near future. The Shiv Sena split because 40 MLAs had left, but the party and organisation remained intact. It is clear that Pawar is being urged to withdraw his resignation. But when the leaders demanded a roll back, Ajit took an opposite stand, saying that Pawar would not withdraw and a new president should be elected in consultation with Pawar.

"Who will that president be?" the editorial asked, further suggesting caution in selecting a person who has the acumen to be the national boss. It said Ajit wanted to be the CM and Supriya Sule, Pawar's daughter, has been working great in the Parliament and had a prominent presence in New Delhi's political circles. "If made the national president, Supriya will have to work hard to attain her father's political height," it said.

The editorial equated Pawar with Bhishma, but said he wasn't laying on a bed of nails. "He has shown that he is the sutradhaar [man in control]. He has exposed the fence sitters and people who sobbed most, saying they were nothing without him. He has cleaned the air and cleared the grey sky. He is the hero of the machinations that will continue until the matter is put to rest," said the editorial.

However, neither Thackeray nor the editorial responded to some observations that Pawar's autobiography has made about Uddhav, his working style and politics. Pawar has accommodated new chapters that deal with the past ten years, including the turn of events, untold stories and political moves that led to the formation of the MVA.

Saamana editor and party MP Sanjay Raut had said Thackeray would respond in a prolonged interview with him in the days to come. The editorial, supposedly authored by Raut, said that anything new in Pawar's autobiography would be dealt with later on and the leader's resignation was an independent chapter not covered in the book.