Sharad Pawar declares Supriya Sule as party candidate from Baramati Lok Sabha seat

Sharad Pawar, who heads the NCP (SP) declared MP Supriya Sule as their candidate from Maharashtra’s Baramati Lok Sabha seat

Sharad Pawar, who heads the NCP (SP), on Saturday declared MP Supriya Sule as their candidate from Maharashtra’s Baramati Lok Sabha seat, amid speculation that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar could be fielded from there.

The octogenarian leader made the announcement during a rally organised by the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi in Bhor tehsil of Pune district. Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT), an MVA constituent, was also present at the event.

The Election Commission will announce the Lok Sabha poll schedule on March 14 or March 15, said Sharad Pawar. The EC has allotted “man blowing turha (a traditional trumpet)” symbol to his outfit.

“The elections will decide the future of our country. Nobody was so anxious about the future of the country so far, but now a change is needed. Today, PM Modi is not paying any attention towards farmer suicides. Instead, he is focussing all his attention only on Gujarat,” he said.

The NCP founder also accused the government of misusing its power.

“PM Modi is giving us which guarantee? Neither black money was brought back nor any work is being done. Today, farmers are agitating but PM Modi is not paying any attention. Inflation and unemployment have become serious problems in our country.

“If you think the situation should be in control, now is the time. When you go to cast your vote, press the ‘tutari’ (his party’s symbol) button. Today, I declare Supriya Sule as our candidate for the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency,” he said.