Barely 90 minutes after he was attacked at a public function, Sharad Pawar spoke to Sanjay Jog over the phone. Edited excerpts:
Was today’s attack a conspiracy?
Please ignore the incident. I really don't know who he was. I thought he was a journalist. Do you want him to be punished?
It is up to the police whether or not they want to press charges.
How did he manage to reach you?
I really do not know. After the function was over, a large number of TV and other journalists had already gathered to speak to me. I believed he was part of the waiting journalists.
Your party members are angry and have launched an agitation across Maharashtra. What is your appeal to them?
I have already appealed to them not to give importance to this incident and show restraint.