AAP, NCP use Jijabai’s birth anniversary to take potshots at BJP

Mumbai: Political leaders reached Sindkhed Raja in Buldhana to pay tributes to Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji, on the occasion of her birth anniversary. Sindkhed Raja, the birthplace of Jijabai, has now turned into a political pilgrimage site, from where masses are wooed. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Nationalist Congress Patrty (NCP) MP Supriya Sule addressed the public.

Mr Kejariwal reached the Sindhkhed Raja and paid his tributes to the dynamic lady from the 16th century. He also used the day and location to relaunch his party in Maharashtra.

Slamming the state government, Mr Kejriwal alleged that that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had instigated the riots at Bhima Koregaon. “The BJP has a history of riots. This party wants to be in power at the cost of the nation’s peace and harmony. People must fight this communal design unitedly,” said Mr Kejriwal.

Former Congress MP Sudhir Sawant joined Aam Aadmi Party chief on the occasion.

NCP MP Supriya Sule has been visiting the venue for the last few years. Addressing the people gathered there, she too slammed the BJP-led government over a range of issues, including the decision to shut down schools and law and order issues. Leaders belonging to other parties, like the Shiv Sena MP Pratap Jadhao, also reached the birthplace.

With the state’s politics revolving around caste and social issues, Jijabai's birth anniversary has become a rallying point for political leaders to reach and woo the masses, especially the Maratha youth.