Pune: “If There’s a Problem, We’ll Take Sharad Pawar’s Advice” – Fadnavis’ Sarcastic Swipe
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 7th June 2025: With local body elections around the corner, political rhetoric is intensifying in Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while addressing the media in Pune on Saturday, took a jibe at Sharad Pawar, saying, “If there is a problem, we will take Pawar’s advice,” in response to Pawar’s remarks on seat-sharing within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
Fadnavis was in Pune for the launch of a book titled “Pailtiravaran… So This Happened” authored by Dr. Pramod Chaudhary. While praising Chaudhary’s contributions to ethanol and biodegradable plastic production, Fadnavis touched upon policy implications. “The economics of ethanol have been firmly established, and the effort to produce polylactic acid domestically—until now reliant on costly foreign technology—is commendable. A proper policy can help this sector thrive and contribute to environmental protection,” he said.
Rain Damage Compensation and Political Jibes
Addressing concerns over delayed compensation to farmers affected by unseasonal rains, Fadnavis said, “Proposals for affected areas are being submitted to the government. As they come in, we are providing assistance. It’s a continuous process that never stops.”
On being questioned about Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s recent statements, Fadnavis brushed it off sarcastically: “Why ask me about what they say? If someone is at my level and speaks truthfully about politics, then ask me about them.”
Fadnavis also dismissed media speculations on potential alliances between the Thackeray brothers and Pawar’s uncle-nephew duo (Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar). “I am not Begaani Shaadi Mein Abdullah Diwana. If they make a decision, we will respond. Otherwise, your kite-flying will go on. I don’t wish to give them importance by reacting to every rumour.”
On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent article commenting on the state’s political climate and the last Assembly elections, Fadnavis offered a curt retort: “An article will be answered with another article.”
