He said the MNS chief did not utter a single word about the BJP but targeted the Nationalist Congress Party- a key constituent in the tripartite Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Shiv Sena.

“He tried to discharge the responsibility which the BJP may have given him,” Pawar added. In his speech, Raj Thackeray had batted for the Uniform Civil Code and stressed the need for controlling population growth in the country. Pawar also termed “childish” Raj Thackeray’s claim that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had raided the family members of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, but not the latter’s cousin Supriya Sule, who is the daughter of the Pawar senior. Ajit Pawar is the nephew of Sharad Pawar.

Hitting out at the MNS chief, Pawar said that people need not take seriously the statements of a person who makes a statement once in six months or a year. “An attempt is being made to disturb the social unity in Maharashtra and communal ideology is being encouraged. I appeal to people to not fall prey to such steps aimed at jeopardising peace,” Pawar said.

In a swipe, Pawar said he didn’t know the exact nature of “understanding” between the MNS chief and the BJP. “He (Raj Thackeray) did not speak a single word about it (BJP). What does this mean? But the one who calls himself a politician didn’t speak on issues like price rise and unemployment. What does this mean?” he asked. Pawar was irked when asked about Raj Thackeray’s allegation that the ED had raided the family of Ajit Pawar but not Sule- the Baramati MP.

“He delivered a childish speech. Why should it be talked about? If something happens in the family of Ajit Pawar, it means it happens to me. Do you think I and Ajit Pawar are different? Aren’t Supriya and Ajit cousins? Is this a political allegation? It is a childish allegation,” he said. Pawar dismissed Raj Thackeray’s comments that he plays caste politics and doesn’t take the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.