Politics – Rohit Pawar Alleges Financial Offers Behind Shiv Sena MP Defections
Politics – Maharashtra’s political landscape witnessed fresh controversy after opposition leader Rohit Pawar accused the ruling alliance of using financial inducements to influence elected representatives while also questioning the government’s approach toward farmers.
Rohit Pawar Raises Allegations Over MPs Switching Sides
NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday claimed that several Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction were allegedly offered substantial financial incentives to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Speaking during a press conference in Dharashiv as part of his ongoing Sangharsh Yatra, Pawar alleged that each of the six rebel MPs was promised amounts ranging between Rs 60 crore and Rs 90 crore. He further claimed that the money was intended for personal gain rather than being used for development projects in their respective constituencies.
Claims of Political Deal-Making
Pawar accused the current administration of transforming politics into what he described as a marketplace driven by financial transactions. According to him, there are internal political calculations within the ruling alliance, with sections of the BJP in Maharashtra attempting to reduce Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s influence at the state level, while the party’s central leadership continues to strengthen his position for broader political objectives.
He further alleged that, in addition to the reported financial offers, the MPs were promised annual development funds of nearly Rs 250 crore for their constituencies. Pawar questioned the credibility of such assurances, arguing that even legislators from the ruling alliance generally do not receive allocations of that magnitude for local development.
Remarks on Dharashiv Political Equations
Without identifying individuals by name, Pawar also commented on the political situation in Dharashiv. He alleged that local politics has long been dominated by two influential leaders who have maintained an understanding that prevents any emerging political force from gaining significant ground.
According to Pawar, this arrangement has primarily served the interests of those leaders while limiting political alternatives for voters. He added that residents have increasingly begun to recognize the nature of this long-standing political equation.
Farm Loan Waiver Comes Under Criticism
Apart from targeting the government’s political functioning, Pawar strongly criticised the recently announced farm loan waiver scheme named after Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar. He argued that the eligibility conditions attached to the programme are so restrictive that a large section of farmers may not qualify for assistance.
Pawar said that a welfare initiative carrying the name of a respected historical figure should have been designed to provide meaningful relief rather than creating barriers that could limit its reach.
Protest Planned Over Farmers’ Demands
Referring to commitments made during a farmers’ hunger strike in Pandharpur, Pawar alleged that the government had assured discussions with farmer representatives to resolve their concerns. However, he claimed that no formal meeting has taken place despite the Assembly session already being in progress.
Calling the government’s response inadequate, Pawar announced that a fresh protest demanding an unconditional farm loan waiver will begin in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on June 29. He said the movement aims to press the government to address farmers’ concerns through concrete policy decisions rather than promises.