X: @the_news_21
On Friday (May 3), a video emerged on the social media platform X, stirring up a whirlwind of speculation and controversy within the political circles of Maharashtra. The footage depicted NCP (SP) Chief Sharad Pawar seemingly requesting Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray to “kindly wait outside.” Uddhav’s response, “Ok, I am around,” accompanied by folded hands, added an intriguing layer to the exchange.
While the interaction appeared innocuous to some, it quickly became fodder for political adversaries. The BJP seized upon the clip, interpreting Sharad Pawar’s request as overtly hostile. Several right-wing handles on social media X amplified the narrative, framing the incident as a blatant “insult” to Uddhav Thackeray.
Jiten Gajaria, spokesperson for the Maharashtra BJP, remarked, “Sharad Pawar politely telling Uddhav Thackeray to get out as he is busy.” The video circulated with captions insinuating a dismissive attitude towards Uddhav Thackeray by Sharad Pawar.
However, upon closer examination, the context of the video presents a different story. Sharad Pawar’s gesture seems to be a simple directive for Uddhav to await at a designated spot momentarily, to which Uddhav responds with a nonchalant, “I am around.”
The timing of the video’s circulation amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024 adds fuel to the already blazing political fire in Mumbai. With voting scheduled for May 20 under the fifth phase, the political atmosphere in the city is palpably charged. The Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Sharad Pawar’s NCP, Uddhav’s UBT Sena, and the Congress, faces a formidable challenge from the Mahayuti alliance, led by Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP.
