PM targets Pawar, says 'wandering souls' to blame for political instability in Maharashtra

In a veiled attack on NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said some "wandering souls" in Maharashtra ushered in an era of political instability in the state 45 years ago for their own ambitions.

Though he did not name Pawar while speaking at a campaign rally in Pune, it was apparent the reference was to the veteran Maratha politician’s rebellion against then-chief minister of Maharashtra Vasantdada Patil in 1978.

Pawar, with the backing of 40 MLAs, had then formed the Progressive Democratic Front, leading to the collapse of the Patil-led dispensation, and was at 38 sworn in as the CM on July 18, 1978.

“A big leader, for his personal ambition, began this game,” the BJP stalwart noted, alluding to the former Union minister at the rally in Pune, which houses Baramati, the home turf of Pawar.

The PM addressed the election gathering in support of four Lok Sabha candidates of ruling 'Mahayuti' alliance in Pune district -- Murlidhar Mohol (Pune city), Sunetra Pawar (Baramati), Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil (Shirur) and Srirang Barne (Maval).

Terrorists had a free run under the Congress rule, the PM alleged and added but "Modi knows how to conduct surgical strikes on terrorists by crossing borders".

"Maharashtra, for a long period, has witnessed political instability. Whatever, I am going to say, one should not take it personally. There are some wandering souls. Those whose desires and dreams are not fulfilled, such souls become wandering souls. Such souls create hurdles for others when their own wishes remain unfulfilled," said Modi.