Bid to reclaim political space: Fadnavis targets Thackeray cousins' proposed march
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray over their proposed joint 'Tiranga' march in Mumbai, saying
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray over their proposed joint 'Tiranga' march in Mumbai, saying it appeared to be less about students and more about rebuilding their political space. Fadnavis said everyone had the right to express their views in a democracy, but questioned the purpose behind the march. The cousins have announced the march for Sunday in support of students and others protesting against the Centre. Read Full Story Fadnavis also spoke about the wider agitation, saying it included both peaceful protesters concerned about the future of the youth and people trying to use the issue for political gain. Speaking to reporters in Pandharpur after offering prayers at the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in the early hours of Saturday on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, Fadnavis said, "I think everyone has the right to express their views in a democracy.
But I believe this march has very little to do with students. It appears to be more of an attempt to recreate political space for themselves. However, I extend my good wishes to them." He was responding to a question on the ongoing protests in Delhi. His remarks come at a time when the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has suffered a major setback, with six of its nine Lok Sabha members joining the ruling Shiv Sena, three years after the split triggered by Eknath Shinde's rebellion. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, led by Raj Thackeray, has also been pushed to the margins in state politics and has no representation in the assembly. Referring to the protests, Fadnavis said both genuine protesters and politically motivated elements could be seen in the agitation. "The seriousness of the issue has brought many people to protest peacefully because they are concerned about the future of the youth.
At the same time, there are also people trying to exploit the agitation for political gains, including those indulging in violence and attempting to create lawlessness," he said. He also said activist Sonam Wangchuk had ended his fast after the Centre accepted his demands and began action on them. "That is why Sonam Wangchuk ended his fast. His demands were accepted by the government, action has begun, and he has appealed to everyone that the movement should continue peacefully," Fadnavis said. On the proposed Pandharpur temple corridor project, the chief minister said the government aimed to begin work this year. He said the key parts of the project would be completed in two to two-and-a-half years, while the full project would take around three-and-a-half to four years. According to him, discussions had been held with most stakeholders and the concerns of 80 to 90 per cent of those affected had been addressed, while the remaining issues would be resolved through dialogue.
The BriefWire