Although Pawar clarified later that the statement was made with the intent of humour, the video shows him straight faced while asking people to commit election fraud.
A pen is mightier than a sword, and what is a pen without ink?
The world has been conquered by ball pens. And the fountain pen is limited to judges and few admirers of the marvelous nib. But on and off, ink finds space in the headlines of our country. It has been a part of some famous attacks on some famous men. It is an ammunition which speaks volume than any bomb.
The ink attacks that we saw recently were on former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Yogendra Yadav, and Sahara chief Subroto Roy.
But NCP chief Sharad Pawar spoke about a different ink yesterday (see video). A more sacrosanct one. And he smeared that ink all over his face himself in the end.
His ink story started in APMC market in Mumbai where he was addressing a small gathering of “mathadi” workers (head loaders) from Satara district of Western Maharashtra.
“Last time (in 2009), the polling in Satara and Mumbai was on the same day and people went to their hometowns. But this time, polling in Satara is on April 17 and here on April 24,” Pawar said. “Vote for the clock (NCP symbol) there (in Satara) and come back to vote for the clock here as well,” he added. And the words of caution followed, “Do erase the ink mark which will be put when you vote first.”
Although Pawar clarified later that the statement was made with the intent of humour, the video shows him straight faced while asking people to commit election fraud.
Not only the statement was outrageous and against EC’s sanctity, it was a surprise too coming from Pawar who is known for speaking cautiously.
Pawar is already finding it difficult to hold his foot in public due to his practically inactive stint as agriculture minister and innumerous controversies looming around him related to corruption. With this unlawful statement, he will find it difficult to face the public outrage that already has started.
So, why did he speak without thinking this time?
Political commentator Mahesh Vijapurkar says he didn’t. In his article, Vijapurkar indicates that Pawar may have a lot to explain to EC regarding his remarks. But the EC might have to do the same.
Afterall, how is it that voters are registered in two places? How is it that voters dutifully register themselves but find the names missing?
