Sun Nov 10 04:06:16 UTC 2024: ## Raj Thackeray Accuses Sharad Pawar of Promoting Caste Politics in Maharashtra

**Pune, India -** Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has accused NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar of promoting caste politics in Maharashtra for political gain since 1999. Speaking at a rally in Pune on Saturday, Thackeray alleged that Pawar has deliberately pitted Marathas against OBCs for electoral advantage.

“Sharad Pawar introduced caste politics in Maharashtra. Hatred has been spread in society for political gain. Earlier, caste tensions were spread between Brahmins and Marathas. Now casteism is being promoted between Marathas and OBCs,” Thackeray claimed.

He further stated that the NCP (SP) has created disunity and discord in society, and that the state is now in the grip of casteism, despite Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj establishing Swarajya by bringing various castes together.

Thackeray urged voters to consider the work of candidates like Chandrakant Patil and Kishor Shinde, regardless of their caste. He maintained that casteism has been on the rise in Maharashtra since the formation of the NCP in 1999.

This statement comes ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections, where caste-based politics is expected to play a significant role.

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