Ajit Pawar dubs remarks against NCP chief as state’s misfortune

Reacting to the alleged defamatory post, which has been condemned by leaders cutting across party lines, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said such remarks against the veteran politician were unfortunate. "This is Maharashtra's misfortune," Ajit Pawar, who is also an NCP leader, told reporters.

The constitution has guaranteed citizens the right to express and free speech. But, people need to keep in mind what they speak and what impact it has on society, he said. "Sharad Pawar, 81, has been in the public life for 60 years. He has never made uncharitable comments (against others) despite facing a lot of criticism and allegations," the deputy CM said. He called Chitale a "pervert" and termed as "unfortunate" the comments shared by her against Sharad Pawar.

Chitale (29), a film and TV actor, and 23year-old pharmacy student Nikhil Bhamre were for allegedly sharing objectionable social media posts about Sharad Pawar. While Chitale was arrested by the Thane police on Saturday over a post she allegedly shared on her Facebook page, Bhamre was arrested in Nashik for allegedly making an objectionable comment on Twitter against the NCP head, whose party shares power with the Shiv Sena and Congress in Maharashtra. Chitale was booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 500 (defamation), 501 (printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory), 505 (2) (making, publishing or circulating any statement, rumour or report promoting enmity, hatred or ill will between classes) and 153 A (spreading disharmony among people).