Should Maha CM Dismiss Corrupt Ministers Without Yielding?

Mumbai, Aug 11 (NationPress) Shiv Sena UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray on Monday criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for allegedly protecting corrupt ministers, expressing sympathy for him as he struggles to dismiss them despite a substantial majority in the government.

During the party's Jan Akrosh protest advocating for the dismissal of these ministers, Thackeray insisted that if the Chief Minister values his self-respect, he must act decisively and remove the corrupt individuals from his Cabinet without yielding to external pressures.

“Assuming Devendra Fadnavis has not engaged in any corrupt activities, why is he shielding those who have? The BJP has become synonymous with corruption, yet they haven't appointed a new party president. Why can't they find replacements for the corrupt ministers? Devendra Fadnavis should openly state his desire to remove these individuals, but he seems constrained by pressure he cannot bear to mention. We urge him to resist such pressures,” he remarked.

Labeling Devendra Fadnavis as the “theft minister,” Thackeray drew parallels to Rahul Gandhi’s claims of vote rigging in recent assembly elections. “If Devendra Fadnavis has any self-respect, he must disregard external pressures. In fact, if the public pressure escalates, he might find himself in a position to act more decisively. He should promptly dismiss the corrupt ministers,” he asserted.

Thackeray also commented on the reassignment of NCP minister Manikrao Kokate, who was moved from agriculture to sports. “We anticipated his expulsion for engaging in rummy games during a state council meeting, but instead, the Chief Minister merely reprimanded him and assigned him to the sports department. Kokate must have been advised to avoid rummy and try Teen Patti instead. We provided evidence against Yogesh Kadam, the Minister of State for Home (Urban), regarding a dance bar linked to his mother, yet he remains unpunished,” he added.

Intensifying his criticism of the BJP-led MahaYuti government, Thackeray stated, “The people may soon take to the streets against this oppression. I feel a sense of shame; we constantly refer to Maharashtra's legacy, shaped by figures like Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar. How far has this illustrious Maharashtra fallen under this alliance? It is now recognized as the most corrupt state in India.”

He declared that his party will persist with protests until the corrupt ministers are removed from their posts, urging party members to highlight corruption issues throughout Maharashtra during events, including the forthcoming Ganesh festival. Today, party activists demonstrated statewide, demanding the resignation of corrupt ministers.

“This is truly disgraceful. Traditionally, any minister facing corruption allegations would be removed from their position and subjected to an investigation. During my tenure as Chief Minister, a minister faced serious allegations and was expelled. When Manohar Joshi was in office, five ministers resigned over similar issues. Today, the scenario is starkly different; ministers accused of corruption are retained. However, the public is observant and will not remain silent,” noted Thackeray.

Addressing the resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Thackeray pointed out that his exit was accepted under suspicion of conspiracy against the government. “Why wasn’t he reprimanded? Where is he now? What transpired with Dhankhar?” he questioned.

Thackeray remarked on Dhankhar’s swift removal and current disappearance.

“In China, government officials who speak out mysteriously disappear. Where is the Vice President? Show him to us. If his health is failing, where is he hospitalized? Or was he operated on? Provide answers,” challenged Thackeray.