Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar

PUNE: Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said he knew from the very beginning of his political career that his performance as Baramati’s MLA would be measured against that of his uncle, veteran leader Sharad Pawar. “When I became an MLA in 1991, I was aware that my work would be compared with Saheb’s. His style of functioning is unmatched,” he said, while addressing a gathering at the annual general body meeting of Baramati Cooperative Bank.The deputy CM added, “I often say Baramati will never get an MLA like me who starts work as early as 6am. However, this is not meant to criticise the former MLA (Sharad Pawar) because he had far greater responsibilities at the state and national levels.”Earlier, while addressing another gathering at the event organised by the APMC Baramati, Pawar told police to take strict action against local goons allegedly found inside the market at night, drinking alcohol and brandishing sharp weapons.“Police must file cases against them and once they have four cases against them, action under MCOCA should be taken, regardless of which party they are linked to,” Pawar said, adding that such criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. He then told senior police officers to ensure that the situation improves.He said some people are trying to add a religious colour to the incidents reported at the APMC market. “I will never indulge in casteism as long as I am alive. We must live by the ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, and we all have to live together,” he said.