NCP’s Anand Paranjpe Slams Abu Azmi for Divisive Remarks, Defends Ashadhi Wari and Marathi Pride

Mumbai: In a sharp political counterattack, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Spokesperson Anand Paranjpe on Monday lashed out at Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi for his recent controversial comments, accusing him of inciting communal tensions and disrespecting Maharashtra’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Addressing a press conference, Paranjpe said, “Abu Azmi has become a toxic element in Maharashtra, consistently using Hindu-Muslim rhetoric to create divisions. The government must take immediate and strict action against him.”

He strongly condemned Azmi’s alleged attempt to downplay the importance of Maharashtra’s rich cultural traditions and cited the 800-year-old Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage as an example of inclusive spirituality. “The palkhis of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram, which journey from Alandi and Dehu to Pandharpur, are joined by lakhs of Warkaris. Many of our Muslim brothers also participate and serve selflessly, showing the unity that Azmi’s statements try to destroy,” Paranjpe stated.

Responding to questions on language and education policy, the NCP leader reaffirmed that Marathi remains the heart of Maharashtra, and the Mahayuti government is committed to protecting and promoting it. “Marathi is Maharashtra’s soul, and the government will never compromise on its status,” Paranjpe asserted.

He informed that Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis is set to chair a meeting later tonight regarding the National Education Policy, in line with a recent directive by School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, making Marathi compulsory from Classes 1 to 5 in all schools across the state. “Schools must hire teachers for second or third languages only if 20 or more students opt for it,” he added.

Paranjpe also touched on the sensitive issue of Aurangzeb glorification, warning that there is no room for pro-Aurangzeb ideology in the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “Aurangzeb was a brutal invader who tortured and murdered Sambhaji Maharaj. He imprisoned his own father and killed his brothers for power. There is no place in Maharashtra for people glorifying such a tyrant,” he declared.