Not Pawar, but the then union govt must clarify on Dawood controversy: Saamana editorial

With Sharad Pawar being caught in the middle of a controversy in getting back Dawood Ibrahim to India, he is getting support from unexpected quarters. Devoid of being in power either in the centre or in the state, Pawar finds himself isolated on the Dawood issue, but the Shiv Sena's mouth piece Saamana has come to the rescue of Pawar.

The Saamana editorial authored by editor and party MP Sanjay Raut has argued that rather than seeking clarification from Pawar, answers should be sought from the then Union government. The editorial said that Pawar was merely the CM who had little say in Dawood's return whereas it was the then union government which could have decided on Dawood's offer.

The editorial went on to castigate AS Dulat, without naming him, for having authored the book revealing details about Dawood's offer. "Somebody retires from government service and writes a book on Dawood," stated the editorial. In fact it even went to the extent of criticizing late BJP leader Gopinath Munde who had made a poll promise prior to the 1995 Assembly elections to bring Dawood to justice in India. "Many including Munde made claims of bringing back Dawood, however nobody could harm Dawood in the four and half years," said the editorial.

It said that Dawood meeting Ram Jethmalani was a serious issue. While resignations are being demanded for meeting and helping Lalit Modi in London, nobody is taking seriously the meeting of Jethmalani and Dawood, the editorial said.