A banner at the Rani Laxmibai Tower in Parli, Beed, has sparked widespread discussion across the state. The banner features photos of two veteran political leaders who have been lifelong rivals: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar and the late BJP leader Gopinath Munde.
The timing of the banner is significant, as December 12 marks Sharad Pawar’s birthday, while the birth anniversary of Gopinath Munde is also being commemorated on the same day. Against this backdrop, the banner was erected in Parli.
The state’s political landscape has undergone significant changes over the past two and a half years, with major parties splitting into factions, resulting in both the Shiv Sena and NCP being represented in both the government and opposition.
These political shifts have also been reflected in Beed. Previously, when Dhananjay Munde was aligned with Sharad Pawar, his supporters would display large hoardings of Sharad Pawar in the Parli constituency. Meanwhile, Pankaja Munde’s supporters would put up banners celebrating Gopinath Munde’s birth anniversary.
Changing political scenario
This year, however, the political scenario has shifted, with both Dhananjay and Pankaja Munde coming together in a grand alliance. As a result, banners featuring both Sharad Pawar and Gopinath Munde have been jointly displayed in Parli—a sight that is unusual and has become a topic of much debate.
The banner, erected by the Sharad Pawar group, carries symbolic messages. It refers to Gopinath Munde as the “Sahyadri turned Bala Ghat” and Sharad Pawar as the “Sahyadri turned Himalaya.”
The banner’s presence has fueled speculation in Parli, with many interpreting it as a sign of significant political developments unfolding behind the scenes in the state.
