Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde asserted on Saturday that the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government had orchestrated a deliberate scheme to fabricate false allegations against BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and others, with the intent to imprison them.
Speaking in Thane in response to reporters’ questions, Shinde addressed the recent Mumbai court decision that accepted the CBI’s closure report on a case involving alleged phone tapping during the tenure of the previous MVA administration.
The roots of this case trace back to a press conference held by current Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis in March 2021, during his tenure as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. Shinde contended, “The then MVA government had abused its authority and aimed to incarcerate BJP leaders by framing them with various charges. A calculated strategy was implemented by the prior government to accuse and detain individuals such as (Independent MP) Navneet Rana and (BJP MP) Narayan Rane, among others. This same design was intended for Fadnavis as well.”
Shinde emphasized that the situation has now become transparent, and the people of Maharashtra can discern between right and wrong.
Additionally, Shinde asserted that NCP chief Sharad Pawar would eventually align his stance with that of Ajit Pawar, a key figure within the current BJP-Shiv Sena administration.
The CM’s response followed a query about Sharad Pawar’s recent statement, wherein he claimed there was no division within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and asserted that Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar leads the party. Subsequently, Sharad Pawar retracted his statement.
“Sharad Pawar is a seasoned leader. Ajit Pawar supported the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As he aspired to contribute to these efforts, he partnered with the state government (comprising BJP-Shiv Sena). Whatever Ajit Pawar concurs with, Sharad Pawar will also concur with, in due course,” Chief Minister Shinde stated.
Shinde pointed to the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the lunar surface as an exemplar of the nation’s progress under PM Modi’s leadership.
Shifting focus, Shinde downplayed the upcoming meeting of the INDIA bloc in Mumbai, suggesting that the convergence of opposition parties indicates PM Modi’s likely success in the upcoming elections.
“Opposition leaders united in 2014 and 2019 as well, but that strategy did not yield results. Conversely, the strength of the BJP expanded. The scenario will likely remain unchanged in 2024,” he added.
The tripartite MVA government, comprised of Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress, governed from November 2019 to June 30, 2022. Its downfall ensued after Eknath Shinde, then a minister, led a rebellion with a significant number of Shiv Sena MLAs against the leadership of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
