Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday shared a stage with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday as he was conferred with the Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune.
“This is a memorable moment for me,” said Modi on receiving the award.
“Lokmanya Tilak changed course of freedom struggle...British called him father of Indian unrest,” said Modi.
He also added that he has decided to donate the Rs 1 lakh prize money, he received with the award, to the Namami Ganga project. “I want to dedicate this award to 140 crore people of the country," he said.
"The role of Lokmanya Tilak in India's independence, his contribution cannot be summed up in a few incidents and words," he said.
While speaking at the event, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, "It is a matter of pride for us when leaders of other countries take his (PM Modi's) autograph and respect him. Some call him boss and some touch his feet."
He also added that development impossible if there is mistrust.
PM Modi says he has given Rs one lakh received with Lokmanya Tilak National Award to Namami Gange project.
Modi shared a candid conversation with Pawar on the stage. Pawar's presence at the event was significant as it is his first appearance with Modi after the NCP split. The Opposition had said that Pawar attending the event would send a wrong signal to the people.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a candid conversation with NCP chief Sharad Pawar in Pune.
— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2023
(Source: Maharashtra Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis YouTube) pic.twitter.com/JPowJFgVWT
However, Pawar did not entertain requests from members of the opposition INDIA alliance to not share stage with Modi.
The award was constituted in 1983 to honour the legacy of Lokmanya Tilak and is presented every year on August 1, Tilak's death anniversary.
A joint protest was staged against Modi during his visit in Pune. Some social organisations and members of various political parties joined the protest.
Prominent social activist Baba Adhav led the protest where the participants waved black flags. The alliance members held the protest at Mandai, around 300 metres from the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh temple where Modi performed pooja soon after reaching Pune. Leaders of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and members of various social outfits took part in the protest.
