In the hustle and bustle of municipal elections in Maharashtra, the stage is set for 'Mumbai Manthan'. In this session, 'Fadnavis's First Trial', organized by Aaj Tak, CM Fadnavis directly expressed his views on everything from BMC elections to alliances with Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray. He also targeted Uddhav Thackeray regarding the garbage scam.
CM Fadnavis stated that certain individuals had consumed the waste from the Mithi River. A project worth 800 million rupees saw its bill passed without any actual work done. He accused people of removing waste with scooters, a situation which arose during Uddhav's administration but was caught during our government's tenure. The supposed waste transport was simply not happening. CM Fadnavis asked what to do if Dino Morea's name surfaced. We know he’s an actor; when did he become a contractor?
He stated that Aditya Thackeray and Dino are friends, everyone knows. The investigation so far shows Dino's involvement. While the legal accountability will be determined by the police, Uddhav Thackeray must take moral responsibility. When asked how much cleaning was done in three and a half years, he said an action plan has been prepared. Tenders have been issued, and the work will begin soon, aiming to complete it in four to five years.
Regarding the monetary games in BMC, CM Fadnavis stated that they had conducted audits. Two hundred roads were built, but the lower layer was missing on them. We have uncovered numerous scams in Mumbai. When Mahayuti wins, our challenge will be to rid ourselves of the scam culture and the grip of middlemen. When asked, he clarified there is no management or setting in our party; there’s a decision-making procedure. The Supreme Court’s decision stands with no appeals.
He continued that had the party asked him to go home, he would have gone. It was painful to become Deputy CM, not because of the position itself, but because people might think he's hungry for power. CM described Uddhav Thackeray as unpredictable and Raj Thackeray as confusing. After the 16th, we’ll be back having tea together. Eknath Shinde, he described, is a reliable friend, a strong and courageous man.
Ajit Pawar is My Political Friend - Fadnavis
CM Fadnavis described Ajit Pawar as a dependable person in politics, and they have a good understanding. He stated he would not speak against friends, adherent to this during municipal elections. Aditya Thackeray is attempting to be a good politician but makes wrong decisions at the wrong times, hurting his political stature. Devendra Fadnavis sees himself as a dedicated BJP worker. Politics after 2019 has matured him differently.
CM Criticizes Opposition on Mumbai's Mayor
CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed a remark stating that an outsider couldn’t become Mumbai's Mayor. He rebuffed it by emphasizing outsiders are not foreigners. When Waris Pathan made a comment about a burka-clad mayor, those who criticized us for an outsider mayor went silent. Hence, we declared that a Hindu Marathi would be the mayor.
On reconciling with the Thackeray brothers, Fadnavis believes Balasaheb Thackeray's blessings will guide his path. He noted fighting against us did not decrease even a single seat for us. We’re No. 1 in three elections with Marathi and non-Marathi votes. Our strategy sometimes involves alliances, sometimes separate fights, ensuring Mahayuti's unity remains intact.
Uddhav Emerges as Savior of Muslims - Fadnavis
CM Fadnavis decried the ongoing elections with more than three thousand councilors. Why wasn’t there a single unopposed situation in Mumbai if the opposition was strong? He pointed out the focus shifted to Mumbai, neglecting other regions. He questioned what actions were possible, as both Uddhav and Raj Thackeray parties had weakened, contrary to Congress’s time when 35 MPs were unopposed. Did the constitution face any threat then? Upon being challenged about reuniting with Uddhav and Raj, he mentioned legacy doesn’t include ideas.
Fadnavis believes these two brothers have lost their vote banks and have shifted positions multiple times. Our alliance in Mumbai is poised for an unexpected victory. Times have changed dramatically, and their party will face defeat. He concluded that aligning with Congress would require seat concessions, something they’re steering clear of.
CM Fadnavis claimed that Uddhav Thackeray thinks the Muslim voter base is his. Confident, he sidelined Congress and fought alone. Otherwise, why did he include someone like Rasheed Mamu from Sambhajinagar in his party? Would Balasaheb have welcomed him in his party? In Maharashtra, Uddhav has emerged as the Messiah for Muslims.
