Uddhav government allegedly planned to arrest Fadnavis and others to break BJP, says Eknath Shinde
- In Reports
- 04:00 PM, Apr 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
In an explosive interview with News18 Lokmat on Thursday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde alleged that the former Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra had conspired to arrest top state BJP leaders such as Devendra Fadnavis, Girish Mahajan, Prasad Lad, and Pravin Darekar, with the aim of fracturing the saffron party.
Shinde's comments came just a day before the voting for 88 seats across 13 states in the second round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, with eight constituencies in Maharashtra also set for polling.
The upcoming general elections in Maharashtra are poised to be distinctive, as both the original Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party have splintered, with one faction from each aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) have formed an alliance with the Congress under the Maha Vikas Aghadi. While Chief Minister Eknath Shinde holds the Shiv Sena name and symbol, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and the NCP share the same scenario, potentially influencing the election outcome.
In June 2022, Eknath Shinde and several legislators split from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and formed a government with BJP support. Shinde claimed he wasn't pressured and cited differences with Uddhav's leadership style.
He expressed no animosity towards Aaditya Thackeray but criticised the lack of democratic culture in Shiv Sena. Shinde also praised Raj Thackeray's inclusive approach after he joined the Mahayuti alliance.
The Bombay High Court will resume hearing the challenge to the 10% Maratha quota in Maharashtra on June 13, after the Lok Sabha elections end on June 4.
Shinde asserted his efforts for the Maratha reservation. The Maharashtra assembly passed the Maratha quota Bill on Feb 20, challenged in HC on Mar 1. Responding to Sanjay Raut's questions on his son's charity, Shinde defended, citing the need to prove allegations. He noted resistance to a farmer's son becoming CM. Shrikant Shinde, contesting from Kalyan, was announced by BJP's Fadnavis, not by Eknath Shinde.
Amidst speculation within the Mahayuti regarding potential opposition to his son's nomination, Eknath Shinde stated, "People endorsed Shrikant Shinde as a candidate, and Fadnavis made the announcement. Those who issued the challenge should have directly opposed Shrikant Shinde."
The Chief Minister assured that individuals whose tickets have been revoked will be provided with alternative opportunities.
He also addressed opposition leaders' criticisms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for purported anti-Muslim comments. "We do not oppose patriotic Muslims. Modi opposes Pakistani Muslims," Shinde asserted.
Image source: News 18
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