Vocal on the issue of corruption, BJP stalwart Kirit Somaiya opened up on a multitude of subjects in Friday's robust dialogue. He also touched upon the offensive video leak scandal, labeling it a conspiracy. Somaiya emphasized that those who schemed against him are now facing the consequences. While no one in Maharashtra questioned him about this, even Delhi reassured me that I had done no wrong and there's no need for worry, he stated. 'We will fight this,' he affirmed.
He disclosed that Devendra Fadnavis and even the top leadership had been informed that no one would be spared. There are three judicial cases regarding this matter, and FIRs have been filed against the responsible individuals. Not a single piece of evidence has surfaced against me in this case. Even the opposition leader in the Legislative Council who accused me of exploitation has confessed in court to having no evidence, Somaiya explained. 'Let the law take its course,' he opined while avoiding further comments on this personal matter.
In a special interview, Somaiya spoke candidly about accusations of corruption against Uddhav Thackeray and other major issues. He revealed who had ordered to corner Thackeray and what discussions took place within the party. Ahead of the 2017 BMC elections, Somaiya was ordered by Devendra Fadnavis and Delhi to expose the Thackeray family's corruption.
Initially, I refused the assignment, but Fadnavis insisted it was a party directive necessary for exposing the collusion between contractors at BMC and Matoshree. Somaiya further stated, his commitment to Mumbai and his party compelled him to unveil scams from Hassan Mushrif to Thackeray across various opposition leaders since he is a highly disciplined worker within the party.
'Uddhav refused to attend the presser because of my presence'
Somaiya continues, explaining that senior BJP leaders had asked him to stop targeting Thackeray as the party initiated reconciliation talks with Shiv Sena before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He realized in December 2018 that he wasn't going to contest the elections this time. 'It was ironic that having been close to Uddhav Thackeray, he wouldn't be pleased with my presence, so I preferred not to attend the press conference to avoid embarrassment,' he added.
'My sole intent wasn't personal'
As expected, Thackeray declined to come to the press conference and Somaiya was asked by the party leadership to leave the venue. 'I was disappointed as everyone knew I didn't have a personal agenda; I was merely following the party's orders to expose the scams,' he noted.
'More corruption cases ending in property seizures,' says Kirit
When asked about the eventual induction of corrupt politicians into the BJP, Somaiya clarified that he hasn't compromised on any allegations against those leaders. They have all gone through trials, and their cases are under consideration. In most money laundering and corruption cases, the accused's assets have been seized by relevant agencies. However, Somaiya agreed that some political compromises had to be made, which he wasn't pleased about. He humorously remarked that he only welcomed leaders accused of corruption when they faced trials and the charges against them remained unresolved.
'Otherwise MVA leaders would have wiped out BJP'
He explained that exposing scandals was politically necessary to prevent MVA leaders like Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray from eradicating BJP in Maharashtra. Our party's cadres and voters also questioned welcoming these leaders to the party. But in politics, you must choose the lesser evil and move forward, he articulated.
'Was saddened not to receive a ticket in 2019'
Meanwhile, Somaiya also expressed his sadness when the party didn't give him the chance to run for elections in 2019. He subsequently deliberated with his family whether to rebel, go solo, or stick to the party's ideals. They unanimously decided to continue their anti-corruption campaign with even more vigor and assist in their region's candidates winning by larger margins.
Why did the son stay underground for 48 days?
Somaiya revealed that he also praised Sharad Pawar for not having his supporters attack me when going to review Bhujbal's anonymous property in Nashik. He was, however, attacked by Uddhav Thackeray’s people when he pursued his mission to expose corruption. Somaiya accused Uddhav of ordering the then Mumbai Police Commissioner to frame his son Neil Somaiya with drugs. But thanks to a warning from another IPS officer, his son had to go underground for nearly 48 days.
