Mumbai, March 21 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and leader of Shiv Sena-UBT, Uddhav Thackeray, on Saturday, issued a bold challenge to the state government, demanding swift action against "fraudulent godmen" in light of the recent controversy involving Ashok Kharat, also known as Bhondu Baba. Kharat, a self-claimed expert in cosmology and a Merchant Navy Captain who masqueraded as a spiritual leader, was arrested by Nashik police on allegations of raping a female devotee.

Kharat's arrest has not only brought his deceitful actions to light but has also ignited a political uproar within the state.

During a press conference held after launching an Export-Import Logistics course in Mumbai, Thackeray insisted that the investigation should extend beyond Kharat, urging authorities to unveil the political connections that support such deceitful spiritual figures.

He mockingly referred to superstitious rituals using the phrase "Om Phat Swaha" and called upon Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to rigorously enforce the state's anti-superstition laws, irrespective of political loyalties.

Thackeray highlighted the intertwining of politics and superstition, criticizing the current situation in Maharashtra. He stated that while the state has a comprehensive Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act, its efficacy is undermined if the "guardians of the law" are themselves followers of such godmen.

Alleging that these controversies serve as distractions from more critical issues, he specifically pointed to the "Epstein Files" and other significant scandals.

"Those who lack merit and cannot accomplish anything through their own leadership resort to lemons, pins, and black magic," Thackeray remarked, subtly criticizing his political opponents.

When asked about reports indicating that the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government had provided water services to Kharat's establishment, Thackeray responded, "I have no objection — conduct a full inquiry into everyone. Let us see how deep the water goes. Whether it's a village godman or someone associated with a political party, action must be taken against all of them."

Following revelations that 3.9 million liters of water were allocated for the ashram during the MVA regime, the Shiv Sena-UBT Chief adopted a confrontational stance, challenging the state government to conduct a thorough investigation.

"Investigate everyone. Let us uncover the extent of this involvement. Punish the guilty. If water was misallocated, determine its destination. But ensure that once you find out, real action is taken," he asserted.

Thackeray juxtaposed his party's aspirations for the state against the current headlines, emphasizing that while he strives to advance Maharashtra through initiatives like logistics courses and industrial development, the political narrative has devolved into "planting lemons and sticking pins".

He concluded by suggesting that Chief Minister Fadnavis should establish a "Ministry of Cover-ups", alleging that the present administration is merely attempting to conceal the "sins" of various leaders.

Thackeray reaffirmed that for Maharashtra to be recognized as a modern state, it must eliminate the influence of fraudulent spiritual leaders.