5 days ago
Uddhav proposes ‘Bhrashtachar Pe Charcha' as he trains his guns on MVA ministers, attacks Fadnavis for protecting them
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) Monday launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, staging a protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park against what it called the 'brazen protection' of tainted ministers.
It also launched a statewide protest at all the district collector's offices, marked by sloganeering and pointed references to specific leaders of the ruling alliance. Party workers called out various names, including ministers Manikrao Kokate, who was accused of playing rummy during the Assembly session; Bharat Gogawale, who was alleged to have engaged in black magic; and Sanjay Shirsat, who faced accusations of possessing a bag of cash in a hotel room.
Shiv Sena (UBT) announced that the agitation will continue across districts until the 'corruption Cabinet' is dismantled.
Addressing the gathering at Shivaji Park after the demonstration, Thackeray instructed his party cadre to take the fight beyond rallies and into everyday conversations. Drawing a parallel with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2014 campaign, he said, 'Modi had 'Chai Pe Charcha'.'
'Now, wherever you go — at tea stalls, in salons — start 'Bhrashtachar Pe Charcha'. Avoid only the shady bars, like Savali, owned by Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam. This protest should be continued till the corrupt ministers are removed,' he said.
Thackeray also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that he feels pity for him since he cannot muster the courage to take action against 'corrupt' ministers.
'He has a brute majority, and his bosses sit in Delhi, yet he cannot muster the courage to sack the corrupt ministers. Even if we assume that he has not indulged in corruption himself, why is he covering up for others? We know that the BJP has no candidate who can be its national party president, but don't you also have anyone to replace these tainted ministers?' he questioned.
Accusing the BJP of being the 'Bhrashtachari Janata Party', Thackeray mocked Fadnavis, saying 'He is not a chief minister, but a 'thief minister'. The Congress has given him a good name.'
He challenged Fadnavis to 'throw off the pressure from Delhi' or risk being 'swept away' by public anger.
'In China, if someone says something against the government, they disappear. Here, too, similar things have happened; the Vice President was removed and he is now missing — show us where he is,' Thackeray said, referring to Jagdeep Dhankhar, who suddenly resigned as Vice President last month.
Thackeray inquired about Dhankhar's disappearance and urged the BJP to disclose his whereabouts.
He accused the Mahayuti alliance of pushing Maharashtra to 'the front row of corruption' while relegating it 'to the back row in development'. 'They have time to run dance bars and carry cash bags, but not to address farmers' problems,' he said.
