Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 7: The political confrontation between BJP MLA Rajendra Raut and NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has intensified following Pawar’s agitation over the Ujani Dam water dispute, an AI data centre and other issues. Raut has now demanded that Baramati Agro stop using water for liquor production and divert it to farmers, warning of an agitation outside the company if the demand is not met.

Raut, the BJP MLA from Barshi, launched a fresh attack on Pawar, accusing him of adopting a double standard by raising public issues while allegedly ignoring the use of water by his own business interests. “Keep your own shortcomings hidden and scrutinise others,” Raut said, taking a dig at Pawar.

Raut alleged that Baramati Agro was receiving around 25,000 crore litres of water from the Ujani Dam and the Nira river. He claimed that water was being used for liquor production despite the prevailing drought conditions and demanded that it be diverted for agriculture and drinking purposes.

He further called on the Pawar family to keep its factories closed until the drought situation improves. Warning of an intensified protest, Raut said that if water supplied to Baramati Agro was not stopped, farmers would stage a sit-in agitation outside the company's premises in Baramati. He described the warning as that of a farmer's son from Barshi.

The latest attack marks Raut's second major criticism of Rohit Pawar in the past seven days. The dispute escalated after Pawar criticised the state government and political leaders over the Ujani Dam water issue, the proposed AI data centre and the MPSC-related agitation. Pawar had also said that he spoke after assessing his own standing, a remark that reportedly intensified the exchange between the two legislators.

The allegations over water allocation have now brought Baramati Agro directly into the political controversy, with Raut demanding that water be prioritised for farmers and drinking needs during the drought.