PANDHARPUR Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday mocked Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray over their proposed march against examination malpractices, saying it appeared to be an attempt to regain their political standing under the guise of supporting students’ interests.
The cousins announced a joint ‘Tiranga’ rally in Mumbai on Sunday in support of students and supporters of the CJP protesting against the Centre.
The Prime Minister offered prayers at Vithal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur on the occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi in the early hours of Saturday.
“I believe everyone has the right to express their views in a democracy. But I think this march has nothing to do with the students. It seems to be an attempt to re-create political space for themselves. However, I extend my good wishes to them,” Fadnavis told reporters when asked about the ongoing protests in Delhi.
The Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray recently suffered a major setback, three years after the party effectively split in the wake of the Eknath Shinde rebellion, when six of its nine members in the Lok Sabha joined the ruling Sena.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, headed by Raj Thackeray, has been pushed to the fringes of politics in the state, with no representation in the state assembly.
Referring to the protests, Fadnavis said that genuine protesters and politically motivated elements have emerged in the agitation, alleging that some people are trying to indulge in violence and trying to create chaos.
“The seriousness of the issue has prompted many people to protest peacefully because they are worried about the future of the youth. At the same time, there are also people who are trying to exploit the unrest for political gain, including those who are indulging in violence and trying to create chaos,” he added.
Fadnavis said that activist Sonam Wangchuk rescinded his fast after the Center accepted his demands and began taking action.
He added, “This is why Sonam Wangchuk ended his fast. The government accepted his demands, and the movement began, and he appealed to everyone to continue the movement peacefully.”
Regarding the proposed Pandharpur temple corridor project, Fadnavis said the government aims to start work this year.
“The main components of the project will be completed within two to two-and-a-half years, while the entire project will take about three-and-a-half to four years. Discussions have been held with most stakeholders, and the concerns of 80 to 90 percent of those affected have been addressed. The remaining issues will also be resolved through dialogue,” he said.
As thousands of protesters gathered in Mumbai’s Dadar area on Friday, Uddhav Thackeray said the government may have the power of ‘lathes’; However, the protesters have ‘teranga’ in their hands.
“This is Jan Ki Baat and Delhi should listen to him. The way the students were attacked with tear gas, I warn the government that you can have the huts, but we have the tirangas. Let’s see who wins,” he said.
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