Pune/ Pimpri: Former deputy chief minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar launched a scathing attack against the BJP-led government at the Centre and State on Friday, raising the price rise and farmer suicide issues. 

He targeted the State BJP ministers for failing to live up to the expectations of the common man and for poor governance.
Pawar was addressing a public rally at Shaniwarwada after culmination of a march from Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya Chowk. This is for the first time the NCP, which was so far seen hobnobbing with the BJP, decided to take on the ruling party, claiming there was negative public sentiment against the governments. 

Pawar said demonetisation adversely hit the Indian economy resulting in job losses for many people. The government claimed the demonetisation would curb black money, but it was not achieved and there was no benefits of demonetisation for the common man.

Pawar said, “The GST Bill was passed in a hurry without considering its impact on the market. Now, traders are complaining that market is not growing due to demonetisation and GST.” 

At a press conference in Pimpri, Pawar reacted to the Elphinston Road railway station tragedy. He said instead of implementing the bullet train project, the government must work for providing basic amenities and security for railway commuters. 

He held Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal responsible for the stampede and demanded slapping of a murder charge against Goyal.