The verbal duel between Shiv Sena and NCP, sparked by Sena president Uddhav Thackeray's Ram temple construction pitch, has intensified with a close relative of NCP chief Sharad Pawar assailing the Sena leader.
Rohit Pawar, son of Sharad Pawar's nephew Rajendra, hit back at Thackeray over his criticism of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar over the temple issue.
Addressing a rally in Jalna last week, Ajit Pawar, nephew of the NCP chief, said Uddhav Thackeray had failed to construct a memorial in the name of his father, Bal Thackeray, but was "harping" on construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The Sena had hit back, with an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana calling Ajit Pawar a "gutter insect" of Pune politics who lives off his uncle Sharad Pawars fortune as he was left with no importance in Maharashtra politics.
In a counter attack, Rohit, in a Facebook post Sunday, said, "During his last day, Balasaheb had appealed people to look after Uddhav. Yesterday, we learnt what he meant when he made the appeal. His words meant his son was gullible and therefore should be taken care of," Rohit said.
The late Sena founder was a clever and big leader who had command over language and would attack political opponents through the weekly magazine Marmik and Saamana but those who engage in politics using Bal Thackeray's name have insulted his pen by launching tirade against Ajit Pawar, Rohit said.
More From This Section
"Uddhav Thackeray neither got elected through public, nor has he toiled to see Maharashtra by stepping out of Matoshree (the Thackeray family residence in Mumbai). While Maharashtra is on fire, this man is hoodwinking people by sharing power (with BJP)," Rohit said.
The Sena, despite being BJP's ruling alliance partner, has been critical of the Amit Shah-led party. The NCP and other Opposition parties have often asked it to walk out of the government.