Expressing his concern over the “disturbing political activities” taking place in the country after the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre, NCP chief Sharad Pawar Sunday said the downfall of the Congress had created a vacuum and the NCP should rise to the occasion to grab the opportunity to establish itself across the country.

The NCP chief, however, did not make any direct reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is slated to visit Baramati on February 14, though he minced no words in attacking the BJP government on programmes like “ghar wapsi” and “glorification” of Nathuram Godse who killed Mahatma Gandhi.

“I am concerned about the kind of politics taking place in the country... This phase is very challenging for national politics. And if timely efforts are not made by us, the country will have to face its adverse impact for several years,” Pawar said while addressing the party’s two-day conclave in Pune.

“Those in power are appealing to Hindu families to give birth to four children, are busy glorifying Nathuram Godse, pushing religious conversions (ghar wapsi), are trying to bring in changes in our Constitution and even seeking to change education syllabus to suit their ideologies,” he said.

“We need to take the happenings seriously as it is posing threat to the unity of the country. A strong organisation is required to tackle this but the Congress despite its strong network is falling short in playing the role. Therefore the NCP should rise to grab the opportunity and establish itself across the country,” the NCP leader said.