A week after his nephew Ajit Pawar rebelled against him and joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government in the state along with seven other MLAs including senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, Sharad Pawar started a statewide tour in an attempt to rally the cadre behind him.
“As the president of the NCP....I am saying this in public. If you think anyone is involved in corruption, then use all the powers at your disposal and probe the allegations thoroughly," Pawar said, referring to the PM's statements.
Speaking at the rally, Pawar senior also asked rebel NCP leaders not to talk about his age, asserting that he will continue to work for party cadres.
“Some people say you have become old and you should retire. I agree that I am 82, but you have not seen this player yet. I am still first-class. There is no need to talk about anything more. If you talk of age, then do it at your own peril,” he said.
Without naming Bhujbal, Pawar said, “I erred in trusting some people, but will not repeat the mistake. I have come here to apologise for the same.” He would come to Yeola at the time of the next elections and pick up a good candidate, he said.
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