NCP invites Uddhav Thackeray to visit Baramati

Mumbai: In the backdrop of Sena's criticism after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's tour to Baramati, NCP has extended an invitation to Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray to visit the town, the home turf of party chief Sharad Pawar.

"Uddhav Thackeray has always been critical of NCP Sharad Pawar. I can understand this as a political stand but looking at a more societal level I think that Uddhav Thackeray needs to take a lesson or two on the subject matter of politics, social reforms, development etc from our leader Pawar sahib," NCP spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said.

After Jaitley's recent remarks disapproving of its aggressive protests, Shiv Sena had hit back, saying nobody should lecture Maharashtra on tolerance and claimed it is the only party which has "never betrayed people" for the sake of power.

Sena, a partner of the BJP in the state as well as at the Centre, has been under attack from various quarters for its aggressive protests against cultural and sporting relations with Pakistan after its activists blackened the face of Sudheendra Kulkarni and stormed the BCCI office.

Jaitley had deprecated the rising incidents of intolerance and vandalism, calling them an "extremely disturbing trend" and had said there is a need to convey differing opinion in a more democratic manner through debate.

"Pawar has always believed in the inclusive growth of the society where citizens of the most marginalized section also enjoy the fruits of development. Baramati city is an excellent example of development and growth. Jaitley's comment to replicate hundreds of Baramatis should be taken seriously by all those who believe in the politics of advancement and progression," Tapase said.

"The Thackerays have some political control over the city of Mumbai since the last two decades but have they ever used it for the betterment of the city ? The answer is evident when the city gets flooded during a four-hour rain shower," he said.

"The answer is obvious when the honorable courts have to intervene for the problems of potholes on Mumbai roads. The answer is apparent when slums keep on growing and the problems of water, public transport, hygience etc keep the average Mumbaikar on his toes," Tapase said.