The Shiv Sena on Thursday defended the visit of NCP chief Sharad Pawar to Maharashtra-s Konkan region to assess the damage caused by cyclone Nisarga, and lashed out at the opposition BJP in the state for criticising the veteran politician-s tour. An editorial in Sena mouthpiece -Saamana- said Pawar is always awake and that is why he gets his "political timing always right". It said BJP-s attempt to indulge in politics when Maharashtra is battling the COVID-19 crisis and cyclone Nisarga is "pitiable", and asked why the Centre has not provided any assistance to the state for the damage caused by the cyclone.

Pawar, whose party is a key constituent of the tripartite Maha Vikas Aghadi government headed by the Shiv Sena, visited Raigad and other parts of Konkan region in the last two days to take stock of the damage caused by cyclone Nisarga last week. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil questioned his visit and reportedly asked why Pawarhas woken up now. In response, the Sena said, "But Pawar is always awake, that is why he gets his political timing always right. Six months ago, BJP leaders woke up at midnight and a swearing-in was held early morning. But, Pawar checkmated them in two days."