It's controversial/ BJP believes in 'cow, gaumutra and Golwalkar': Sharad Pawar's remarks erupt fresh row

Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar on Friday has stoked controversy after he said that the BJP believes in “cow, gaumutra and Golwalkar.” “They (BJP) want to spread fascism in India on the base of Hindutva,” said Pawar. Addressing party workers at Shirdi, Pawar said, “We believe in Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar ideology, but those in power don't believe in them.”

Defending Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over recent ED summonses, Pawar said in the last 10 years, people have voted Kejriwal to power, adding that Aam Aadmi Party ministers have been jailed and steps were being taken to arrest him as well.

"He has been issued notices to appear before the ED. The chief minister of the country's capital. Everyone in Delhi knows he is a simple man with a clean image. It will not be surprising if he is arrested," Pawar claimed.

"This means efforts are being made to discourage those who do not have similar political views by misusing power," Pawar alleged.

Kejriwal, who is also the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener, had skipped the Enforcement Directorate summons on Wednesday.

He has so far skipped three summons by ED for questioning in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor scam.

The alleged liquor scam is related to the excise policy 2021-22 that was scrapped by Kejriwal's government last year after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI probe into "lapses and irregularities" in its implementation. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)