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The Times of India
The Times of India
National
Manoj Badgeri | TNN

NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad gets emotional during press conference, party backs him

THANE: Hours after NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad was booked for allegedly molesting a female social activist in his constituency of Kalwa and Mumbra, party colleague and leader Jayant Patil, accused the Thane police for failing to abide by the norms while slapping the case and also chided the state government for playing vendetta politics.

Patil was addressing the media along with Awhad at the latter’s residence in Thane after the former cabinet minister who was disturbed by the molestation case against him announced his decision to resign as MLA.

"We have seen the clip and wonder how the Thane police could include section 354 in the incident as it doesn't seem justified. Awhad is seen helping her and moving her away from the car which was about to start. The incident occurred in front of chief minister Eknath Shinde and there were many police personnel around. Also, the incident occurred evening but why was it registered late night? Is the police playing at the will of its political masters. They will have to justify their actions sooner or later," he said.

Patil also justified the disruption of the historical movie at a local multiplex by Awhad claiming that the party stood by him as no one from the state would tolerate the distortion of facts regarding Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj as is being presented in the movie. "It seems the government didn’t like his actions and subsequent release from the court," he quipped.

"It seems Awhad has become an eyesore for the opponents and government. There is no one from the district who's speaking against the government and just because Awhad is vocal, he is targeted. There is a perception that there is a tussle between Shinde and Awhad but the residents of Thane have shown their sympathy to Awhad. It is unfortunate that such sections are being used as political tools. It is really unfortunate and the government must introspect. I urge CM should personally look into this," he said.

Patil told the media that Awhad was greatly disturbed by the molestation charges and is have based his resignation on that. Patil however requested Awhad to not resign and said they would reserve the matter following a discussion with their senior leader Sharad Pawar. He claimed that even if Awahd resigned and had to contest again, he wont need any campaigning at all referring to his developmental work in his assembly constituency.

Awhad who is known for his daredevil and aggression was seen in an emotional mood during the interaction with the assembled reporters. "Sections were wrongly used in both the incidents. My fight is for Ch Shivaji Maharaj and I will continue it. I have been in politics for 35 years but haven't seen it stoop to such low levels. My daughter was questioned about the case applied against me, which is disturbing. Had they plotted for my life, I wouldn’t have objected to any other charge slapped on me but section 354 isn't acceptable at all," he said.

He added that the state is going through a bad political phase claiming it to be an attempt to demolish his character which isn't good. “Tomorrow they can level more serious offences and may continue to misuse the law to finish off opponents. I plan to leave politics but won't desert Sharad Pawar at all. I'm a fighter and can tackle all cases but how can I fight such allegations. The video validates am not guilty and the police should have checked it before applying the case. Nonetheless, I will continue to fight it out,” he concluded.

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