Mumbai, April 1 Maharashtra NCP (SP) president Shashikant Shinde on Wednesday dismissed allegations that the Sharad Pawar-led party had given a "contract" to run a smear campaign against the ruling NCP as "baseless and childish".
He was reacting to allegations raised by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Suraj Chavan that NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar had provided Rs 5 crore to an agency to defame NCP leaders, a member of the Mahayuti alliance, and create internal divisions.
"These are baseless and childish allegations. Those making such claims should instead verify with their allies to identify who was actually causing them trouble," Shinde told reporters.
Referring to the air crash that killed then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in January, the NCP (SP) leader said the black box report was still awaited, and the findings of the CID investigation had not been made public.
"Without these details, how and when will the truth emerge?" he asked, adding that concerns raised by Rohit Pawar should be seriously examined by investigating agencies.