Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took a swipe at Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray over their proposed joint march in Mumbai, alleging that the protest was aimed more at reviving their political relevance than supporting students.
The Thackeray cousins have announced a joint “Tiranga” march in Mumbai on Sunday in support of students and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters protesting against the Centre over alleged exam malpractices.
Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, Fadnavis said everyone had the right to express their views in a democracy but questioned the motive behind the march.
“I believe this march has very little to do with students. It appears to be an attempt to recreate political space for themselves. However, I extend my good wishes to them,” he said.
The remarks come after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered a setback when six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs joined the ruling Shiv Sena, three years after the party split following Eknath Shinde’s rebellion. Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has struggled to regain a foothold in state politics and currently has no representation in the Maharashtra Assembly.
Fadnavis also said the ongoing protests had a mix of genuine concerns and political motives. He alleged that while many people were participating peacefully over concerns about students’ futures, some elements were attempting to exploit the agitation for political gains and create law and order issues.
Referring to activist Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to end his fast, Fadnavis said it followed the Centre accepting his demands and beginning the required action. He added that Wangchuk had appealed for the movement to continue peacefully.
On the proposed Pandharpur temple corridor project, Fadnavis said the government planned to begin work this year. He added that key parts of the project were expected to be completed within two to two-and-a-half years, while the entire project would take around three-and-a-half to four years.
His remarks came after thousands of protesters gathered in Mumbai’s Dadar area on Friday, where Uddhav Thackeray criticised the government’s response to the demonstrations. He said the authorities might have “lathis” (batons), but protesters had “tirangas” (tricolours) with them.
“This is ‘jan ki baat’ (the people’s voice) and Delhi has to listen to it,” Thackeray said, referring to the protests over alleged exam irregularities.
(With inputs from PTI)