Sharad Pawar Critiques Labeling Dissenters as Naxalites

Concerns Over Labeling Dissenters

Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, expressed his concerns regarding the increasing trend of labeling individuals as Naxalites simply because their work or ideology is not favored. This statement came in response to remarks made by Shiv Sena's Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Manisha Kayande.

During a session in the Legislative Council, Kayande claimed that urban Naxalites had infiltrated the annual Wari pilgrimage and were attempting to mislead the devotees.

On Thursday, Pawar stated, "I do not have complete information on this matter. However, one of the two organizations mentioned in the media is Lokayat, whose work I have observed."

He further remarked, "This organization has a modern perspective and has been working against conservatism for several years. They are not Naxalites. The trend of labeling anyone whose work or ideology is not accepted as a Naxalite is on the rise."

Pawar also referenced the arrests made following the caste violence in Pune during the Elgar Parishad on December 31, 2017, and the Koregaon Bhima incident on January 1, 2018, where many were jailed on accusations of having links with Maoists.

He suggested that a similar situation could arise concerning the Wari pilgrimage, stating, "Today, the state government is labeling individuals as Naxalites for ideologies it does not accept."

Additionally, Pawar announced that his party would participate in an event organized by Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on July 5, celebrating victories on three policy issues.