Facing large scale protests from various quarters for his comments about urinating in empty dams, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today observed a day-long "repentance" fast at Karad here.
The NCP leader observed the "aatma-klesh" (penance) fast at the memorial of the late Yashwantrao Chavan, the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
He told reporters today that his fast was an "attempt at repentance, and not a stunt".
Yesterday, Ajit's uncle and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had snubbed him for making "inappropriate" remarks and also sought to put a lid on the raging controversy.
Even after Ajit's apology, Opposition Shiv Sena, BJP and MNS have stalled the proceedings of state legislature for the last three days, seeking his resignation.
Ajit's comments on "peeing" in empty dams and on load-shedding invited opprobrium as they implied belittling the plight of drought-affected people in the state.
Meanwhile, Satara MP and NCP leader Udayan Raje Bhosale took a dig at Ajit, saying instead of atonement, one should introspect.
"A political leader should think twice before choosing his words. One should not forget that whatever stature a politician has he owes it to the common people," Bhosale said.
Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil and other party leaders met Ajit at the venue of the fast.
