It is clear, ED being used to pressurise Opposition leaders: Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar. File Pic

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar, on Saturday, alleged that "it is clear" the Centre is using Enforcement Directorate (ED) to pressurise Opposition leaders. He also said that the anti-money laundering agency has never been used the way it is being used today.

Earlier, Shiv Sena MP, Sanjay Raut had made similar allegations. He had said a notice issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is not a "death warrant" but a "love letter" for political workers, a day after Sena leader and Maharashtra minister Anil Parab was asked to appear before the anti-money laundering agency.

"Frequency of such love letters has increased after unsuccessful attempts to breach the wall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) which is strong and impregnable," he told reporters.

Also Read: Shiv Sena MP Bhavana Gawali, minister Anil Parab figure on ED radar

Shiv Sena leaders Bhavan Gawali and Anil Parab recently came under ED's radar and raids were conducted at multiple locations related to them.

Pawar also hit out on BJP workers for not adhering to safety norms laid down by the Centre itself. He said everyone has the right to protest in a democracy but when the Govt itself "takes a stance" BJP workers should follow.

Workers and leaders of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged protests in several cities in Maharashtra against the MVA government's stand to not reopen temples as of now, which remain shut due to Covid-19 restrictions.

At many places, social distancing norms were not adhered to while staging demonstrations. The protests, organised by the Aadhyatmik Aghadi (spiritual wing) of the BJP, were held in Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur, Pandharpur, Aurangabad and other places where agitators rang bells and blew conches.

"Is fear of a projected third wave of the pandemic doesn't apply for liquor outlets and other shops? Does coronavirus talk to them (the government) and says it will strike only if temples are reopened ?" Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil asked. He alleged the ruling Shiv Sena Sena was not allowing temples to reopen to "please its allies- Congress and NCP".