Like 2019 viral speech, Sharad Pawar addresses rally amid rains without umbrella once again, calls in good omen

In a dramatic rally held amidst rainfall in Ichalkaranji, Kolhapur district, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar expressed confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition's success in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. Speaking in the rain, Pawar, 83, linked the weather to past electoral victories, saying, “It has happened many times in the past that it has started raining when I start speaking in any Sabha, and at such times, the result of the election has been good.”

Historical Precedent of Rain and Electoral Success

Pawar’s remarks recalled a rally in Satara during the 2019 assembly elections. On October 18, 2019, while campaigning for an undivided NCP Lok Sabha candidate, heavy rains began just as Pawar addressed the crowd. Refusing the use of an umbrella, Pawar delivered his speech drenched, a moment that went viral on social media. The NCP went on to win the seat, with many attributing the victory to his unwavering commitment.

Drawing a parallel with that incident, Pawar emphasized the need for voters to decide the future of Maharashtra's governance. “This time also you all have to decide in whose hands the government of Maharashtra will be given,” he stated.

Criticism of the Ruling Government

Earlier in the day, Pawar criticized the Mahayuti government, accusing it of exacerbating challenges for farmers. He highlighted the rising number of farmer suicides, calling it a pressing issue that needs immediate attention.

Intensified Campaigns Ahead of Elections

As the state prepares for elections on November 20, the political landscape is heating up. Both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition MVA, which includes the NCP(SP), Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT), are ramping up their efforts to secure the support of voters. The results will be declared on November 23.

With the assembly elections fast approaching, the focus remains on key campaign messages and voter turnout. Pawar’s rain-soaked rally has once again captured public attention, underscoring his active role in shaping the MVA's campaign strategy.