Those who conspired against me have disappeared from political map: Pankaja

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: BJP leader and minister Pankaja Munde, while taking a dig against those indulging in political conspiracies against her, on Sunday said that nature takes its own course and those who conspired and caused her defeat have today disappeared from the political map.Her statement has raised many eyebrows as there were allegations that she lost the last Lok Sabha elections to NCP (SP) candidate Bajrang Sonawane and the previous assembly elections to her cousin and NCP MLA Dhananjay, due to internal bickering within the party and lack of support from some loyalists, including those associated with the Munde family. Pankaja was speaking at the inauguration of her contact office in Ambajogai city where she addressed party workers and reflected on her Lok Sabha election defeat and subsequent political developments."Politics has both good and bad people. Some left us after using our support to get elected and then aligned elsewhere. Let them do what they want. Show me where those who plotted against me are today," she said. Maintaining that she holds no ill will against those who contributed to her defeats, she added, "There is no sin in my heart. I have God's blessings. In politics, ups and downs are natural. I may have lost, but those who engineered it eventually vanished. I don't have to act against them — nature does."She also urged the workers to remain steadfast. "You are my strength and all powers stand behind those who work with honesty," Pankaja said.During the event, the minister also expressed confidence that her party would secure all six assembly constituencies in the district along with the parliamentary seat in 2029."We are beginning this strategy in the presence of Goddess Yogeshwari. Success or failure depends on God, but I am committed to fulfilling my dream," she said.Pankaja also cautioned party workers against expecting any unethical favours. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said, "Those who earn money through wrong means or indulge in fraud belong in jail. Do not expect such things from me."Drawing a clear line, Pankaja said she would extend all possible help to genuinely needy workers, even pledging personal sacrifice if required. "If a worker is battling a serious illness like cancer, I will mortgage my house to help. But I will not support anyone involved in wrongdoing or fraud," she said.She also cited an instance where a worker sought help after his son allegedly cheated people of Rs40–50lakh. "If you have used such money, how can I repay it? Families must question the source of income. Earn honestly and turn Rs10 into Rs100 through hard work," she said.