Graft accused Sena minister praises Pawar

Jalna, Aug 28 (PTI) Eyebrows were raised when ShivSena leader and state minister Arjun Khotkar, accused ofcorruption by Aam Aadmi Party, today praised NCP chief SharadPawar publicly. "Pawar is a ‘janata neta’ (people’s politician). He isalways concerned about farmers and the common people. Hisconcern and feelings toward farmers are beyond politics,"Khotkar said at a function with Pawar in attendance. AAP national spokesperson Preeti Sharma Menon hadrecently alleged a scam to the tune of Rs 525 crore in JalnaAgricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) under thechairmanship of MoS Khotkar. Rejecting the charge, the minister had urged ChiefMinister Devendra Fadnavis to conduct an inquiry against himand also submitted a letter asking for a detailed probe intothe matter. Pawar was in city to inaugurate a cancer hospital. In his address, the former Union minister said Indiandoctors are best in treating cancer even as he appealed topeople to quit tobacco. "After diagnosed with mouth cancer, I went to New Yorkfor treatment where I was told that India has goodoncologists," Pawar said. He said cancer patients need a strong will power tofight the deadly disease. District guardian minister Babanrao Lonikar andKhotkar, who hails from Jalna district, were chief guests atthe function. On the occasion, Lonikar termed Pawar as the SachinTendulkar of politics. PTI CORR NSK AARPTP