Pune: Maha Vikas Aghadi works like brothers-in-arms; our strike rate is better; we will continue to close ranks: Sharad Pawar

Pune: NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar on Tuesday commented on the outcome of the Lok Sabha results in the State. He said, “The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) fought like brothers in arms. The results indicate a change in Indian politics. The INDIA bloc will decide the future course of action in a meeting on Wednesday. We are getting a good lead in the Baramati assembly segment, where I started my career in politics. The MVA will get the highest number of seats in the State.”

Pawar was speaking to the media.

A change is in the air

Sharad Pawar said, “The Lok Sabha results indicate a change in Indian politics. Maharashtra has played a major role in this. My party has performed well. We are thankful to voters. We are hopeful of a positive scenario in the country. Uttar Pradesh has given a good mandate. Earlier, the BJP’s margin in the North used to be huge. The picture has changed.”

Result of collective efforts

Pawar said, “It was a result of collective efforts. I have discussed the results with Mallikarjun Kharge and Sitaram Yechury. We will come to know by the evening today about a meeting of alliance partners to be held tomorrow in Delhi.

“My party is leading in seven seats in the State. Winning seven out of 10 seats is big. Our strike rate is good. Our alliance partners have also done well. We closed ranks and worked together. We will unitedly put up a good fight in the upcoming state elections.”

Maharashtra has voted for democratic values

He said, “Though results of all the seats are yet to come, the State has given a mandate in favour of a change. The Indian National Congress, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP) collectively presented their stand before voters. Going ahead with the progressive thought of Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar and inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, we focused on saving democratic values. It was our main poll plank. Going beyond casteism and communalism, we raised daily issues faced by common people such as inflation and unemployment. We are committed to addressing these issues. People welcomed and respected our stance. I am grateful to the people of Maharashtra for trusting the MVA.”

We will keep the promises made to people

Pawar said, “It is my promise to you that the MVA, including Congress leaders Nana Patole, Balasaheb Thorat and Prithviraj Chavan under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena (UBT) President Uddhav Thackeray, will convey our views to downtrodden sections in the state and will protect their interests. We will work collectively in that direction.”

MVA ready to take the lead for the country

“This election has changed the national political scenario. The State has played a major role in it. I am proud of the people of Maharashtra. We will contribute collectively, through the MVA, if the INDIA bloc decides to take certain steps in the interest of the country.

“These were very bitterly fought elections. I again thank the voters of the State for supporting us. Workers of the MVA worked very hard to win the elections. I congratulate them, thank you!”