"Pawar claims that the UPA administration disregarded his warning regarding PMLA, and subsequently, the BJP allegedly misutilized the issue"
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Sharad Pawar at Sanjay Raut's Book Launch
Mumbai recently saw the gathering of political figures for the launch of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's book titled 'Narkatala Swarg' (Heaven In Hell), narrating his ordeal during his 101-day imprisonment in 2022. Attendees included NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar, and Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale.
NCP's Sharad Pawar spoke candidly about how the UPA administration dismissed his cautionary warnings regarding the potential misuse of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) amendments during their term[1]. He emphasized that these warnings were discarded, setting the stage for these amendments to be weaponized against opposition leaders once the BJP took control, leading to the detention of P Chidambaram and other major figures under unjustified charges[2][3]. Raut himself, along with Anil Deshmukh, were victims of such targeted investigations.
Uddhav Thackeray criticized the current "autocratic" regime for turning a heaven-like India into a nightmare, and stated that state governments should be granted the authority to deploy central investigative agencies, like the Enforcement Directorate, in accordance with India's federal structure[2].
Famed lyricist Javed Akhtar lauded Raut for his fearless expression and commented: "Democracy demands citizens who voice societal issues and express dissent towards the government's mistakes. It appeals to both extremist groups who dislike such citizens, with one faction encouraging individuals to go to hell, while others propose a trip to Pakistan. However, I'd opt for a journey to hell over Pakistan." Akhtar also took a swipe at ruling-party leaders for their criticism of Raut's book before the launch[1].
On the eve of the event, Raut voiced his determination to defy the oppressive regime, stating, "The memories of incarceration are grim, but they have to be set aside as part of the experience. As citizens working in opposition to the oppressive government, one should read this book. History will show that dictatorships do not last forever."
TMC MP Saket Gokhale concluded, "The union government inadvertently created trouble for itself by imprisoning Raut. Future generations will view this book as testament to the dictator's rule, led by Amit Shah, and the individuals who stood against the brutal regime."
Sanjay Raut | Sharad Pawar | Prevention Of Money Laundering Act | Uddhav Thackeray
- Sharad Pawar, during Sanjay Raut's book launch, expressed his past concerns about the misuse of Prevention of Money Laundering Act amendments, which were initially dismissed by the UPA administration but later weaponized against opposition leaders under the BJP's control.
- Uddhav Thackeray, at the same event, critiqued the current government for turning India into a nightmarish state and advocated for state governments to have the power to deploy central investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate in accordance with India's federal structure.
- Amidst the political discourse, Javed Akhtar, the renowned lyricist, expressed his admiration for Sanjay Raut's fearless expression, equating democratic dissent with a journey to hell over Pakistan.
