‘The Tribune-Chatterati’ 22nd.February.2010

Sharad Pawar is at the receiving end from all political parties including the Congress on the price rise issue. Pawar personally went to call on his old friend Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray and this visit has put the Congress on guard. Though Pawar claims that he went to request Bal Thackeray to control his forces when the Cricket matches will take place in Mumbai. But surprisingly, Pawar did not take his Home Minister, Patil with him for this visit. Wonder what comes first for Pawar Cricket or price rise.
The relationship between Pawar and Congress is rocky. R.R.Patil as state home Minister is cozying up to the Congress. He specially went to watch My Name is Khan at a multiplex in Mumbai and even stood in line and bought a Rs 350 ticket. The Shiv Sena in its 40 years of existence has never been so badly hit as now with Raj Thackeray out and Shah Rukh having the support of Congress. These Shiv Sainiks had been left red faced and also the fear of the Mumbaikers of the Shiv Sena is over it seems. With Pawar being pressurized for wearing too many hats and not concentrating on the Agricultural department one wonders if he went there for support and for what?