MUMBAI: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has acquired a praise from an unlikely quarter. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), as soon as a political ally of the BJP however now on the alternative aspect of the political divide, has showered glowing reward on Fadnavis for his method to the event of Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.(PTI)
In an editorial titled ‘Devabhau Abhinandan’ (‘Congratulations, Brother Devendra’) on Friday, the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece, Saamana, mentioned, “”If CM Devendra Fadnavis is working to vary the identification of Gadchiroli district from a Naxal-affected district to a metal (manufacturing) district, then one ought to welcome it. Within the new yr, CM Fadnavis has began work and chosen Gadchiroli district.”
Penned by Sena-UBT chief Sanjay Raut, the editorial goes on to say, “While other ministers are expressing their displeasure over not getting resourceful departments, Fadnavis reached Gadchiroli and started a new era of development. Gadchiroli remained undeveloped due to Naxal activities. It requires the political will of the ruling leaders. Fadnavis is showing political will to change the situation in Gadchiroli and one should be happy about it.”
Additionally Learn | Folks of Gadchiroli stand with India, not Naxals: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis
That is the primary time in 5 years for the reason that Sena-BJP alliance in Maharashtra cut up that Thackeray’s Sena has had one thing constructive to say about its former political ally. Learn between the strains and the editorial additionally carries a refined taunt aimed toward Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, political foe of the Sena (UBT), and now deputy chief minister within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance authorities.
The jibe comes at a time when the political equation between the BJP and Shiv Sena has modified fairly dramatically. After the meeting elections late final yr, Shinde has been nursing a bruised ego as he was denied the chief minister’s chair within the current Mahayuti authorities. He was additionally denied the politically delicate house portfolio, a requirement he had held on to for weeks till Fadnavis mentioned he would maintain cost of the house division.
It was in opposition to this backdrop that Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray met Fadnavis throughout the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur in December. The 2 leaders lastly broke the ice after staying on reverse sides after the Sena-BJP alliance cut up in 2019. Was Thackeray extending an olive department to Fadnavis and the BJP?
The Saamana editorial mentioned, “In the name of fighting against exploitation, people from Naxal ideology and Maoist-trapped youth from Gadchiroli have taken up arms against the government and the Constitution. Many youths have died in the fight between security forces and Naxals. Now CM Fadnavis is working to change this situation and we welcome it and congratulate him.”
In an unmistakable reference to Shinde, who was guardian minister of Gadchiroli from 2020 to 2022, the editorial remarked, “Earlier guardian ministers of Gadchiroli toured the districts many times and took a ride on motorcycle. But it was alleged that those visits were for serving the interests of the mining lobby.” It added that Fadnavis would now have to indicate that his visits had been meant to learn the individuals, not the mining foyer.
State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who can be income minister, has welcomed the Sena (UBT)’s gesture. “Today is a day of joy for us. We were waiting for good words from them. We thank Saamana for admiring CM Fadnavis and his efforts towards development,” mentioned Bawankule. When the media requested Fadnavis to remark, he mentioned: “Thanks.”