Shiv Sena (UBT) Criticizes Nitesh Rane, Demands His Resignation Over Controversial Funding Remarks
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Synopsis
Shiv Sena (UBT) has strongly criticized Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane for suggesting that government funds will favor villages linked to the ruling party. The editorial in ‘Saamana’ raises concerns over the politicization of funding and the implications for democratic values in Maharashtra.
Key Takeaways
- Nitesh Rane’s
- Shiv Sena (UBT) questions the ethical stance of the Maharashtra government.
- Editorial in ‘Saamana’ emphasizes the need for impartial governance.
- Concerns over the politicization of development funds.
- Call for the resignation of Nitesh Rane.
Mumbai, Feb 17 (NationPress) Shiv Sena (UBT) has fiercely criticized Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Nitesh Rane for his recent remarks suggesting that funding from the district planning committee or the state government would be prioritized for villages predominantly tied to the ruling MahaYuti.
“Is it justifiable to deny development funds to areas lacking a BJP MP, MLA, or Sarpanch? Are the residents of those regions not citizens of India?” questioned Sanjay Raut, MP from Shiv Sena (UBT), demanding answers from Fadnavis.
An editorial in the Shiv Sena publication ‘Saamana’, condemned Rane’s alleged statement that “To receive government funds, align with the BJP; otherwise, if there are sarpanches from Maha Vikas Aghadi, not a single rupee will be granted.”
“Does the Chief Minister, having returned from Kumbh Mela, endorse the views of his minister?” Raut inquired in the Saamana editorial.
“This stance is in stark violation of the minister's oath under the Constitution. The governor, as the custodian of the Constitution, oversees this oath. What should be made of a minister in Maharashtra who openly contravenes that oath?
“A minister represents the whole state, not just a political party or faction. Yet, for the past four years, the politics of animosity has surged in Maharashtra,” the editorial stated.
The editorial also targeted former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asserting, “The former Chief Minister of the unconstitutional government prioritized funding exclusively for his faction's MLAs and MPs. After joining the Shinde faction, these legislators received allocations amounting to Rs 300-400 crore.
“During that period, a thriving business of demanding a 35 percent commission from contractors in exchange for developmental work emerged. Corporators changing parties were similarly compensated with funds. Opposition party members, including MLAs and MPs, received no development funds then, and still do not today.”
“Now, Fadnavis’ minister has explicitly stated, ‘If the MahaYuti flag is absent in the village, funding will be halted. They can criticize me; it’s irrelevant. Our boss is firmly in control. I have no concerns.’ This raises the question of who supports such unconstitutional actions? Chief Minister Fadnavis must clarify,” the editorial emphasizes.
The editorial further adds, “While PM Modi claims, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, his ministers in Maharashtra declare, ‘Development exclusively for our followers.’ The position of the opposition is equally significant in a democracy. Winning elections does not make you the owner of the state. The government treasury is not the private property of a minister; it is funded by the public’s taxes, which should facilitate the flow of development funds.”
It also questions how a minister can employ such disrespectful language and display arrogance.
“Maharashtra has a legacy of impartial Chief Ministers like Yashwantrao Chavan, Vasantrao Naik, Vasantdada Patil, Sharad Pawar, and Uddhav Thackeray. They worked towards equitable state development, not hoarding funds like a serpent. This is why today’s prosperous Maharashtra is evident.
“Historically, no one has taken a biased stance. Yet, the current ministers have begun to intimidate village councils, sarpanches, and the populace,” it stated.
“The unfortunate reality for Maharashtra is that ministers in the Fadnavis government are acting like local thugs. They are targeting communities and are now directly threatening voters,” Saamana concluded.
“The 'Batge' (those who joined the BJP from other parties) are undermining democracy with public funds. Such ministers should be promptly dismissed to uphold the dignity of democracy and the Constitution,” the editorial insisted.
