A new war of words has erupted within the alliance of political parties in Maharashtra, namely Shinde-Fadnais-Pawar, intensifying the state's political landscape and offering fresh ammunition to opposition parties.
The verbal sparring initially began with comments made by BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad against Shrikant Shinde, who is the son of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, it has now expanded to involve another BJP leader, Gopichand Padalkar, who referred to Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) Ajit Pawar as a "wolf."
Padalkar's controversial remark, where he labelled Ajit Pawar as "a cub of a lying wolf," has ignited a storm of controversy within the state's political circles. Numerous leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) swiftly criticized Padalkar's statement, urging Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take action against such incendiary language.
In response to the escalating tension, Devendra Fadnavis rebuked Gopichand Padalkar, asserting, "The statement was inappropriate. It is wrong for him to make such a statement. Leaders, workers, and MLAs of all three parties should respect the leaders of all three parties. I firmly believe that such language should not be used at all."
BJP MLA Nitesh Rane also entered the fray, defending Padalkar and targeting Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut. Rane argued that Raut had made comments about Ajit Pawar while still part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. "I am simply saying that the same standard should apply to Padalkar and Raut. When Raut made comments against Ajit Pawar, nothing happened. At that time, who was supporting Raut? Those who remained silent then are now criticizing Padalkar."
Meanwhile, in Kalyan, BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad was caught delivering a speech against the Shiv Sena. Shrikant Shinde represents Kalyan as a Member of Parliament.
Gaikwad declared, "If they have bows and arrows, we have rockets. If you attempt to obstruct my work, I will respond fittingly. I am not afraid. I have brought projects worth Rs 129 crore to my constituency, and I know whose desk these projects are pending on."
In response, Mahesh Gaikwad from the Shinde faction cautioned against denigrating the bow and arrow and pointed out that many cases had been filed against MLAs who were characterizing them as gangsters.
Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra, weighed in on the ongoing turmoil, suggesting that those who prioritize remaining in power must be prepared to endure such comments.
"A BJP MLA is making comments about a Shiv Sena MP, and an MLC is making comments about the Deputy CM. When one decides to cling to power at any cost, it becomes difficult to command respect. One must have the courage to step out of the government. Parties were fragmented to form the government, and now there are doubts about their very existence," he remarked.
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