Pawarfs Adani defence shakes MVA

NCP leader's stance sparks rift within alliance on the eve of polls.

- S Balakriulnmn

On the eve of Maharashtra's legislative assembly elections, NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader Sharad Pawar delivered a bombshell, publicly defending industrialist Gautam Adani over the controversial Dharavi redevelopment project. His comments undermined the stand of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, both of whom have vowed to scrap the project if voted to power.

The timing of Pawar's remarks has dealt a severe blow to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, comprising the NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT). His statement has left allies grappling with public embarrassment as the polls loom large. Gandhi and Thackeray had made the Dharavi project central to their campaign, criticising the Adani Group for allegedly reaping undue benefits.