Fadnavis Dismisses Mumbai Threat as Fake Narrative by Thackeray Brothers
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a strong attack on the Thackeray cousins on Monday. He labeled their claims about a threat to Mumbai as completely false. Fadnavis made these remarks during a Mahayuti election rally in Mumbai. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde joined him at the event.
Identity of Mumbai and Marathi Manoos Will Never Be Compromised
Fadnavis firmly stated that the identity of Mumbai and the Marathi Manoos is non-negotiable. He accused the Thackeray brothers of creating this fake narrative purely for electoral gains. According to Fadnavis, they lack any real development work to showcase to the public.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Mahayuti alliance will secure a victory in the upcoming elections. He promised that Mumbai will have a Marathi mayor. This rally occurred just one day after a joint public meeting by Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray at Shivaji Park.
Fadnavis Counters Criticism on Industrial Growth
In response to allegations of special favors for the Adani Group under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, Fadnavis presented detailed data. He read out a list of twenty-five industrial houses that experienced massive growth ranging from 250 percent to 1,100 percent.
Fadnavis highlighted that the Indian economy has climbed from the 11th to the third position globally. He noted that hundreds of corporate houses have expanded significantly during this period. The Adani Group recorded a growth of 680 percent, while other companies achieved even higher rates.
The Chief Minister pointed out that permissions for the Navi Mumbai Airport and Dharavi Redevelopment projects, which benefit the Adani Group, were actually granted during the Maha Vikas Aghadi regime. Uddhav Thackeray led this government as chief minister. Fadnavis criticized the Thackerays for now accusing the BJP of the same actions.
Focus on Development and Youth Employment
Fadnavis stressed the importance of growth and investment for fast-tracking development and generating employment. He said the government must address the concerns and aspirations of young people by providing them with jobs. The Chief Minister added that those who question these efforts have no real worries and can afford to merely give speeches.
Taking another dig at the Thackeray brothers, Fadnavis mentioned that Uddhav Thackeray built Matoshree 2 and Raj Thackeray moved from Krushnakunj to Shivthirth. He questioned why they raise issues when investments come to Mumbai and Maharashtra to empower the Marathi Manoos.
Refuting Allegations on Language Imposition
Fadnavis strongly denied charges that the BJP is imposing Hindi in Maharashtra. He revealed that during Uddhav Thackeray's tenure as chief minister, a committee approved making English and Hindi mandatory from Class 1. Fadnavis accused the Thackerays of pushing a false narrative to mislead the public.
The Chief Minister also played old videos showing Uddhav and Raj attacking each other in the past. He expressed surprise that some people revive the same campaign threat to Mumbai every election season. Once the polls conclude, they forget about Mumbai and its residents.
Fadnavis lamented that Uddhav Thackeray has compromised the Hindutva legacy of Bal Thackeray. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde echoed these sentiments, stating that the Thackerays only remember the Marathi Manoos during elections. For the rest of the time, their focus remains on self-development.
Shinde Highlights Development Agenda
Eknath Shinde affirmed that the current government is moving forward with a clear development agenda. He said they do not respond to baseless allegations and prefer to let their work speak for itself. Shinde recalled that Balasaheb Thackeray dreamed of seeing Mumbai develop. The present administration is taking this dream seriously and working to fulfill it.
The rally underscored the political tensions in Maharashtra as election campaigns intensify. Fadnavis and Shinde presented a united front, aiming to counter the narrative set by their rivals.
