After AAP rout in Delhi, INDIA bloc faces new hurdle with Sharad Pawar irking Sena by honouring Eknath Shinde

Pawar has conferred an award- the Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar- on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at a function, who was instrumental in splitting the Sena and pulling down Thackeray's government.

On Tuesday, Shinde received the award from Pawar on the occasion of the 98th Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Delhi.

In his address, Shinde said he has good relations with Pawar.

Expressing his displeasure at this, senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said he did not expect Pawar to participate in the function and confer an award on Shinde.

"How can a "backstabber" who betrayed Shiv Sena and broke the party be awarded by a senior leader like Pawar," he said.

Calling the event a "political gathering of brokers", Raut said, "Such awards given to political leaders are either bought or sold".

The BJP's Shaina NC, Meanwhile, took a dig at Raut, saying he has "lost his mental balance".

"He will never get any award, therefore, is objecting to the Rashtra Gaurav award. One should be happy and proud that the awardee is from the Marathi community," she said.