As the date of assembly elections in Maharashtra approaches, the political temperature in the state is rising. Ajit Pawar has raised questions over UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s ‘Bantege to Katenge’ slogan. Ajit said that Maharashtra is the land of Shivaji, Ambedkar and Shahu Ji Maharaj. People from outside come to Maharashtra and express such views, BJP CMs of other states should decide what to say. Apart from this, his party leader Nawab Malik said in a special conversation with Aaj Tak that those who make such statements will not benefit but will suffer losses.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam had said that Ajit Dada does not understand, but he will understand later. This phrase: “If we divide, we will be divided” is absolutely right. On this, Nawab Malik said that the attitude of Shiv Sena is changing.
‘If someone makes negative politics, people will not accept it’
Regarding Ajit Pawar’s statement, Nawab Malik said that our party’s ideology is clear, we do not do politics based on religion. We do not accept that policy. We believe in secularism and democratic values. Our clear opinion is that if anyone makes such a claim then they are wrong. He said secularism is the basic mantra of Indian unity. When making these types of statements in elections, it is debated, but I think unity is the most important mantra. If someone makes negative politics then people don’t accept it, UP result shows that people don’t agree with such statements.
‘We do not do politics of division’
NCP candidate Nawab Malik said our policy is clear: whoever makes such policy in Maharashtra, Ajitji is against him. He said there are some parties that want the votes of Muslims, but they refrain from talking about their issues. He said we want to take everyone with us. We want to give a message to those who engage in divisive politics that they should not participate in such politics, it is not in the interest of the country or the public. We do not make that policy.
“Modiji’s party is contesting elections against me”
On the NCP not using PM Modi’s image in its election rally, Nawab Malik said that Modiji’s party is contesting the elections against me. He said it’s our choice which photo we use, on whose behalf we ask for votes. We are looking for votes on our ideology, we will use photographs of our leaders. We have remained firm in our opinions. We have no commitment to ideas.
