PUNE: In Pune, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award on Tuesday. During the ceremony, he shared the stage with Ajit Pawar, Eknath Shinde, and Devendra Fadnavis, along with NCP chief Sharad Pawar. It was a memorable event, with both PM Modi and the NCP supremo having a candid moment on the stage.

Pawar graciously congratulated PM Modi for receiving the Lokmanya Tilak award, stating, "The Lokmanya award has been bestowed upon many prominent figures in the past. Today, Modi's name is added to this esteemed list, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him for this well-deserved recognition."

He continued, "Pune holds a special place in the heart of our country. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Hindavi Swaraj, was born in Shivneri fort in Pune district. While our Jawans have recently carried out surgical strikes, it was Shivaji Maharaj who led the first surgical strike in Lal Mahal against Shaista Khan."

Addressing the audience, PM Modi expressed his emotions, saying, "This is truly a moment to cherish for me. Lokmanya Tilak's tilak symbolizes our freedom struggle. His role in India's independence and his contributions are immeasurable; they cannot be summed up in mere words or incidents. Today, I pay homage to him and all our freedom fighters. Being here on the soil of Maharashtra, the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Jyotirba Phule, is an honor."

In a generous gesture, Prime Minister Modi announced his decision to donate the prize money from the award to the Namami Gange project, stating, "I dedicate this award to the 140 crore people of our country."

However, the MVA government did not appreciate Pawar's decision to attend the ceremony, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) criticizing him. They suggested that Pawar could have boycotted the event to clarify doubts among those who disapproved of it. The editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana' pointed out that PM Modi had accused the NCP of corruption and engineered a split in the party, which disrupted the politics in Maharashtra. The publication expressed different expectations from a senior leader like Sharad Pawar.

The editorial further noted that Pawar's leadership and courage would have been admired had he stayed away from the event to protest against the engineered split in the NCP. It emphasized that the country is currently fighting against 'dictatorship,' and the INDIA alliance, comprising 26 opposition parties, was formed for this purpose, with Pawar being regarded as the 'leading general' of the alliance.

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PM Modi Receives Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune

PM Modi reaches Pune, Prayers at Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Mandir