Baramati, April 7 (NationPress) NCP (SP) working president and MP Supriya Sule vehemently defended the rich legacy of the Congress party on Tuesday, sharply countering the claims made by Parth Pawar, a leader from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), who suggested that the party's decision to participate in the Baramati by-election signified the onset of its "downfall".

Her remarks followed Parth Pawar, the recently elected Rajya Sabha MP and son of the late former deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, asserting that the Congress's choice to run a candidate against Sunetra Pawar in the Baramati by-election indicated the party's impending demise.

During a press conference, Sule emphasized that the freedoms enjoyed by India today are a direct outcome of the arduous fight waged by the Congress against colonial rule. "We have all observed the Congress party closely. I have participated in numerous elections alongside them and have secured victories with their support. Whether it is Ajit Dada, myself, or Sharad Pawar Saheb—who has devoted many years to the party—we all have been nurtured within the principles of Congress thought," she stated.

She acknowledged the Congress for its pivotal role in the freedom movement as well as for launching significant national initiatives, such as economic reforms and social governance. “The Congress party was integral to the Quit India movement and the quest for an independent nation. Transformative policies were introduced by former Prime Ministers P.V. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh. Furthermore, Congress has been recognized for initiatives like women's reservation and the enhancement of local governance (Sarpanch system),” she noted.

When queried about Parth Pawar's remarks, veteran leader Sharad Pawar offered a candid response, implying a deficiency in political experience. "In politics, making statements about significant decisions necessitates a certain level of maturity. I cannot comment today on how much of that is present," the senior Pawar remarked.

In response to her father’s critique, Sule stated, "Pawar Saheb is senior to me in merit, age, and relationship. My principles dictate that when elders speak, I refrain from further comments. As for advising Parth, familial advice is reserved for home, not for news outlets.”

While standing by the Congress, Sule conceded that in a democratic setup, everyone has the right to voice their opinion. However, she redirected the responsibility for Parth's assertion back to his own faction. “The statement regarding the 'downfall' of Congress originates from their MP. Hence, these inquiries should be directed towards the Ajit Pawar group to ascertain their official stance," she articulated.

Reflecting on the recent unopposed election of Sharad Pawar to the Rajya Sabha, Sule applauded the "culture of Maharashtra". She expressed gratitude towards the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and even the opposition (BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena) for demonstrating maturity.

"The opposition is not our adversary. There should be a divergence of opinions, but not animosity (matbhed asave, manbhed asu naye). This embodies the legacy of the late Yashwantrao Chavan," she stated, affirming that the Congress’s choice to present a candidate in the by-election is a standard democratic process and should not be misconstrued as a blunder.