Taking a dig at the ruling coalition, Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief, said that despite decisive victory, if Mahayuti was unable to decide on portfolio of its Ministers, what was the need to hold the Winter Session. No one knows which department is with which Minister. Moreover, he said, anybody is standing in the House and giving replies which in effect has no value per se. The three-party Government is giving a go-by to the norms and in a way demeaning the massive mandate it has secured. Further, Thackeray said, “Chief Minister Fadnavis introducing his new Ministers to the House is quite an irony as latter had accused several of them while in Opposition. Now it’s quite amusing as the Chief Minister has appointed the same ‘tainted’ persons in his Ministry who were raided by Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate authorities.

 

Thackeray was in city for the Winter Session of the State Legislature and was interacting with mediapersons at Shiv Sena (UBT) office in Vidhan Bhavan campus on Tuesday. He continued with rant against Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) saying the current Government is afraid of ballot. The victory of Mahayuti he claimed is due to EVM and if not why a large police posse was deployed in Marakwadi village with a population of just 400. As the Government is confident of its mandate, why is it opposing the decision of voters in a small village, Thackeray questioned? Similarly, the Governor’s address lacks specific mention about women safety. Also the address was salient on environment issue and earlier the then BJP led Government destroyed green cover in Aarey shed construction and now about 1,400 trees are going to be felled for Dongri shed, Thackeray said and criticised the Mahayuti for not giving enough attention to environment issue.

 

As to Central Government’s decision on ‘One Nation, One Election’, the Sena (UBT) supremo said same is meant to divert attention from more pressing issues, especially the controversies surrounding Adani Group. Going a step further, Thackeray sought election to the Chief Election Commissioner’s post as same is necessary before election process. The modalities about election of Election Commissioners can be decided but same he stressed is utmost necessary. Asked about difference among I.N.D.I alliance on EVM issue, the Sena supremo said in fact, the din within the Mahayuti about dropped Ministers is making more noise than the various view points on former within Opposition alliance. Those who were left out of Ministry formation exercise must have now learnt a lesson and some among them have contacted us and expressed solidarity with our stand, Thackeray contended.

 

He added, “I learnt the lesson in 2019 itself and now it’s turn of persons who deserted us,” he quipped. Similarly on the issue of Ladki Bahin Yojana, he was of view that Mahayuti who had promised Rs 2100 to women should immediately start disbursing the amount. Comparing the scheme with Ministry expansion, Thackeray said, it seems Government is indulging in Ladka Amdaar too, referring to controversy over dropping of senior members. Similarly, the Mahayuti should start implementing the promises it made in its manifesto and referred to current fall in prices of soyabean. During our time, the then State Government had given MSP of Rs 6500 for soyabean, and now farmers claim that prices have hit rock bottom. He also lashed out at Central Government for shifting the historic painting of signing of instrument of surrender by Pakistani Army during victory by Indian Armed forces in Bangladesh war. The painting that adorned Army Chief’s office in South Block was historic and depiction of bravery of Indian soldiers and salute to many of who were martyred in the said war. Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, Anil Parab and others Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders were present during the media interaction.