Pune: Sharad Pawar, President of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar), addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the Maratha reservation issue and responded to recent allegations made by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.

Speaking at a press conference in Pune, Pawar criticized Thackeray for dragging his name into the debate without justification.

Pawar emphasized that he had no role in the deteriorating political atmosphere in Maharashtra, where incidents of violence and verbal attacks have become increasingly common in the run-up to the state assembly elections.

"I don't understand why Raj Thackeray keeps mentioning my name. Maharashtra knows me well, and I don't need to engage in any efforts to influence the situation," said Pawar.

He also dismissed Thackeray's claim that the recent attack on the MNS leader's vehicle in Marathwada was orchestrated by supporters of the Pawar and Thackeray factions.

Pawar remarked, "Raj Thackeray unnecessarily mentioned my name. I also travel through Marathwada and face public interactions. Do I control everything that happens?"

Pawar further asserted that Thackeray's accusations were baseless, reiterating his commitment to positive change in Maharashtra. "There is no truth in Raj Thackeray's allegations. I have always worked for the betterment of Maharashtra, and the people of the state are well aware of my intentions," he stated.

Raj Thackeray had earlier accused Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray of using the Maratha reservation agitation to incite communal tensions in Marathwada ahead of the elections.

Thackeray alleged that the duo was exploiting the reservation movement, led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, for political gain. He also criticized Pawar for not leveraging his close ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the issue.