Amidst the ongoing discussions regarding the possible merger of the two factions of NCP in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clearly said that no one has yet given any information to the government in this regard. According to Fadnavis, the decision on merger can be taken only at the level of Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar and if any such proposal comes, the government will also be aware of it.
Tezzbuzz Desk Amidst the discussions about the merger of the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that only Sharad Pawar and Sunetra Pawar can talk on this issue. He said that apart from him, no one else has the right to say anything about this.
Explaining the difference between Ajit Pawar's NCP and Sunetra Pawar's political role, Fadnavis said that Ajit Pawar was a grassroots leader, while Sunetra Pawar is still learning the nuances of politics.
Taking a dig at the merger talks, Fadnavis said, “When will the father die and when will the vine be divided, the father is not dead and you are talking about dividing the vine.” He said that if there is any talk of merger of the two groups then it will also reach the government. According to him, no merger will happen without asking the government and till now neither of them has told anything to the government about it.
Fodder and water for animals in Marathwada priority of government
Regarding the drought situation in Marathwada, the Chief Minister said that the government is mapping the availability of water by collecting information from every village. A plan is being prepared as to how much water is available in which village and how it will be used in the future.
He said that this time there has been less rainfall, which is a matter of concern. However, availability of water in big dams of drought affected areas is a matter of relief. The first priority of the government is to provide fodder and drinking water for the animals.
On the question of threats by Lawrence Bishnoi gang and security of Bollywood actors, Fadnavis said that this gang has no influence in Mumbai. He said that the police have arrested the accused involved in the earlier attack incidents.
Fadnavis said that a big henchman of the gang has been arrested abroad, while another big accused is also preparing to be arrested abroad soon.
While defending the efficiency of Mumbai Police, he said that earlier Mumbai Police was at second position in the country, but now it has reached the first position. He described the action of identifying the accused after the firing incident, chasing them and arresting them after getting them off the train as an example of professional investigation by Mumbai Police.
Government's defense on Gokul Doodh Sangh controversy
On the appointment of government nominated operators in Gokul Doodh Sangh, the Chief Minister said that there was competition between two groups in the elections. 13 directors from one group and 12 from the other group were elected. A quorum of 14 members was required for the election of the president.
According to Fadnavis, the election for the post of President had been postponed thrice and for the first time such a situation arose that no group had the required quorum. For this reason the government decided to appoint four operators.
He said that this decision has been challenged in the High Court. The court did not point out any legal flaw in the appointments in the interim order, but directed to keep the votes of the four nominated directors separate until the final decision is taken.
The Chief Minister said that Gokul's issue is being unnecessarily given the color of national politics. He said that Rahul Gandhi has also entered this matter. According to Fadnavis, the government stands firmly with this institution and further decisions will be taken as per the law.
On Disha Salian case, Fadnavis said that Mumbai Police had prepared a report based on the evidence and facts collected during the investigation and presented it in the court. However, the court found some shortcomings in that report, after which CBI was appointed to further investigate the case.
Fadnavis said that Mumbai Police has placed before the court all the facts and evidence revealed in the investigation so far. Now CBI will do further investigation.
Fadnavis cited the Constitution regarding UCC
Supporting the Uniform Civil Code, the Chief Minister said that it is wrong to call it a law outside the Constitution. He said that Baba Saheb Ambedkar has given fundamental rights to the citizens in the Constitution and along with it the Directive Principles of State Policy have also been included.
Citing Article 44 of the Constitution, Fadnavis said that it directs the states to make efforts towards implementing a Uniform Civil Code. Giving the example of ban on cow slaughter, he said that the Constitution has given the responsibility of protection of cows and other milch and draft animals to the states.
Regarding Asaduddin Owaisi, Fadnavis said that he is a smart person, but he and Fadnavis have different views. Regarding UCC, he again said that the Constitution itself has instructed the states to move towards a Uniform Civil Code.
Fadnavis targets Rahul Gandhi and Congress
Targeting Rahul Gandhi and Congress, Fadnavis alleged that Congress is working according to the strategy of a particular political model of the world. According to him, under this strategy an attempt is being made to create distrust in the minds of people towards constitutional institutions.
He said that questions are constantly being raised on institutions like Election Commission, Supreme Court, Parliament, CAG and RBI. According to Fadnavis, its purpose is to create a perception in the minds of people that the institutions created by the Constitution cannot provide them justice and the Constitution is not capable of protecting them.
Describing it as an attempt to bring ultra-leftist system, he gave examples of countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the incidents of fire during Diwali. He said that many municipal corporations have banned rocket-like firecrackers and called it a welcome step.
On the experience of working with Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis said that he has worked with Uddhav Thackeray in the government from 2014 to 2019. He said that his experience of working with Uddhav Thackeray is immense.
Fadnavis said that currently he is working with a three-party government and this experience is different from before.