Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a strong statement regarding his party's ideological stance during a visit to Jalgaon on Tuesday. While campaigning for the upcoming municipal corporation elections, Fadnavis asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a clear and uncompromising position on the legacy of Veer Savarkar.
Clear Stance on Savarkar's Ideology
Addressing media representatives after a roadshow, Fadnavis was asked to react to comments from his cabinet colleague, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar. Shelar had recently suggested that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) must accept Savarkar's ideology to remain in power within the ruling alliance.
In his response, Fadnavis stated, "One thing is very clear: Veer Savarkar's ideology is our ideology, and we will not accept anything against it." He emphasized that this was the party's definitive stand. However, he also added that, to his knowledge, NCP leader Ajit Pawar had never made any remarks opposing Savarkar's ideology and saw no reason for him to do so.
Focus on Jalgaon's Development and Alliance Dynamics
Shifting focus to local governance, Fadnavis expressed confidence in the BJP-led 'Mahayuti' alliance's prospects in the Jalgaon corporation polls. He promised a transformative five-year plan for the city. "Jalgaon will be a developed city in the next five years after BJP assumes office in the corporation," he declared, pledging that the alliance would ensure the city's transformation.
The day also saw former Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) politician Santosh Dhuri joining the BJP. When questioned about the steady stream of leaders exiting the MNS following its recent alliance announcement with Shiv Sena (UBT), Fadnavis attributed the defections to internal discontent. "It is because the functionaries of MNS are feeling neglected. All I can say is the alliance will affect MNS the most," he commented.
Ajit Pawar Declines to Comment
On the other side of the political divide, Ajit Pawar, the other Deputy Chief Minister from the NCP, chose to sidestep the controversy. When reporters in Pimpri Chinchwad sought his reaction to Shelar's statement, Pawar refused to be drawn into the debate.
He expressed disappointment that the media was focusing on issues that could cause division within the ruling coalition instead of development matters. "Instead of asking questions on development issues, the media is posing questions with an attempt to create a division within our alliance. However, I will not make any comment on such issues. I will stick to the issues pertaining to the municipal corporation elections," Pawar stated firmly.
The exchange highlights the ongoing ideological negotiations within Maharashtra's complex political landscape, even as all parties gear up for the crucial local body elections.
