Pune: The differences between state Congress and NCP (SP) deepened on Thursday after Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that Baramati MP Supriya Sule has a Kunbi certificate. After she challenged him to give proof of his claim, the senior Congressman tendered an apology claiming that he had named her by mistake.Supriya later downplayed Wadettiwar’s comment and said that the issue was over, but the war of words highlighted the strain in relations between the MVA allies in the state in the recent past. Congress members have been taking digs at Sharad Pawar’s party over its growing proximity to BJP. Wadettiwar’s statement on Wednesday sparked verbal exchanges between the two parties.While opposing Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange’s planned agitation, Wadettiwar, who comes from an OBC community, said that over 90% of Maratha politicians have already obtained Kunbi certificate. “Even Supriya Sule possesses a Kunbi certificate,” he told reporters.Refuting Wadettiwar’s claim, Supriya said, “I challenge Wadettiwar to give proof to support his claim that I hold a Kunbi certificate or tender an apology.”Wadettiwar then wrote on his social media handle, “I named her by mistake and I apologise for it. However, that does not mean that my stance regarding other Maratha politicians has changed. I will never support politicians who obtained Kunbi certificates but take a stand on OBC community rights. Our fight is not against any individual but for the justice of OBCs.”NCP (SP) has objected to the recent remarks made by state Congress members against its party seniors. Supriya said, “We have cordial relations with Congress members at the Centre but I fail to understand why members of the state Congress are targeting us. These statements are on record.”NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde said that his party will respond if Congress does not stop its criticism. “Due to state Congress members’ behaviour, the Congress-NCP alliance lost the 2014 elections. They should refrain from making critical statements otherwise we will have to give a befitting reply,” Shinde added.
