“Naturally there is truth in it…”: BJP leader Ashok Chavan on Amit Shah’s statement that Sharad Pawar ‘institutionalised corruption’

New Delhi [India], July 22 (ANI): Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks that former Union Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) supremo Sharad Pawar “institutionalised corruption,” BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Chavan on Monday said that if the Home Minister gives a statement, then naturally there is “truth” in it.

Amit Shah on Sunday launched sharp attacks on Sharad Pawar over corruption, accusing him of “institutionalising” corruption.

“When the Home Minister of the country gives a statement, then naturally there is seriousness, truth in it. Anyone can say anything. The allegation made by Supriya Sule is a political allegation. She doesn’t have any proof against me,” Chavan told reporters.

Amit Shah while addressing BJP conclave in Maharashtra’s Pune said that “biggest mastermind” of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar

“They (the opposition) are speaking about corruption. The biggest mastermind of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion in that. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you. And you are accusing us of corruption?” Amit Shah said.

Shah hit out at the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Sharad Pawar over the alleged milk powder import circular that is making rounds in the state. He accused the MVA of “spreading lies” and announced that not even 1 gram of milk powder will be imported in the next five years.

“They are spreading lies using an old and outdated circular. Even I was confused so I called Piyush Goyal ji (Commerce and Industry Minister). Then Piyush Goyal ji said it was not ours, it was Sharad Pawar’s. He (Sharad Pawar) is saying milk powder will be imported. Don’t be confused. They had issued such circulars. In the last 10 years, not even 1 kg of milk powder was imported under PM Modi’s government and for the next 5 years also not even 1 gram of milk powder will be imported, this is my word here to you. They want to spread misconceptions and win the elections,” Shah said.

Maharashtra is likely to poll for the 288-member legislative assembly as the tenure of the current government is ending in 2024. However, the Election Commission is yet to announce the dates.