Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday regarding the contentious remarks made by BJP MLC Gopichand Padalkar about NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
In a clear stance against Padalkar’s comments, Fadnavis stated, “Gopichand Padalkar’s comments are inappropriate. It is wrong to make such statements. Leaders and party workers from all three parties (in government) need to respect each other. It is my clear opinion that such language should not be used at all,” addressing reporters.
Responding to queries about the Supreme Court’s directive to Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar concerning disqualification petitions against CM Shinde and other Shiv Sena MLAs, Fadnavis emphasized that it is a quasi-judicial procedure. He also underlined that it would be the speaker’s prerogative to comment on the matter. “It will be inappropriate on my part to comment on it. I think blessings of Lord Ganesh are with the Mahayuti,” Fadnavis added.
Notably, Padalkar had written to CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Fadnavis about the issues faced by the Dhangar community in Maharashtra. However, when questioned why he hadn’t approached Ajit Pawar, who also holds the position of Deputy CM, Padalkar retorted, “Ajit Pawar is a cunning pup of a cunning wolf, and there is no need to approach him.”
In his letter addressed to Shinde, Padalkar raised concerns about a potential protest by the Dhangar community, similar to the Jat agitation, and called for a government meeting to discuss the community’s demands.
NCP leaders reacted strongly to Padalkar’s remarks against Ajit Pawar, demanding that the ruling party take appropriate action against the legislator. The situation remains fluid as the political discourse in Maharashtra continues
to evolve.