NCP chief Sharad Pawar, the crucial architect of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition in Maharashtra, turned 80 on Saturday.
Pawar was instrumental in the formation of the NCP- Congress’s unlikely tie-up with the Shiv Sena final year, right after the Sena fell out with its ally BJP following the assembly polls.
The NCP supremo is recognized for his cordial connection with a lot of political leaders like Narendra Modi, but he remains the prime target of the BJP and Narendra Modi in Maharashtra.
However, on a number of occasions, Modi has lauded NCP chief Sharad Pawar. On a single such occasion, when Modi, in 2016, visited Baramati to inaugurate an exhibition at Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), an autonomous cane growers’ body headed by Pawar, Modi lauded the developmental work by the NCP chief and his concern for farmers and Agri sector.
As per the report by HT, Modi did not just cease at it, went ahead and stated, “I have no hesitation in accepting that Pawar held my hand and taught me to walk in my early days in Gujarat.”
“I have seen that Sharadrao finds time for farmers and the agriculture sector despite his hectic political schedule,” Modi added whilst lauding Pawar for his 50 years of ‘unbeaten innings’ in electoral politics.
Meanwhile, today Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Sharad Pawar on his 80th birthday.
“Best wishes to @PawarSpeaks Ji on his birthday. May Almighty bless with good health and a long life,” Modi tweeted.
(With inputs from agencies)