Uddhav Thackeray's Party Lauds Fadnavis-Led Maharashtra Government for Progress in Gadchiroli
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Mumbai, Jan 3 (NationPress) In a significant shift from its typical critical position, Shiv Sena (UBT) has acknowledged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his efforts to eliminate Maoist influence in Gadchiroli district by fast-tracking developmental projects. The party's mouthpiece, Saamana, in its editorial released on Friday, applauded the CM’s dedication to transforming the Maoist-impacted district, following his visit and the announcement of an extensive development plan.
The editorial praised Fadnavis' initiatives, stating, “While violence prevails in areas like Beed, where tragic incidents like the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deahmukh have occurred, Gadchiroli is experiencing the rise of constitutional governance. For this, Chief Minister Fadnavis deserves commendation.”
It further noted, “If the Chief Minister can rebrand Gadchiroli as a 'Steel City' instead of a 'Maoist district,' his endeavors should be embraced. His vision of making Gadchiroli a leading district in Maharashtra, rather than the last, is praiseworthy. However, care must be taken to ensure that this transformation serves the common populace and impoverished tribals, rather than the interests of mining tycoons. Only then can his assertion of ushering in a new era for Gadchiroli be validated.”
Fadnavis commenced the new year with a visit to Gadchiroli, where he inaugurated and laid the groundwork for various developmental projects. Unlike other ministers focused on securing profitable positions, the CM dedicated January 1 to launching initiatives in the Maoist-affected district, which Saamana referred to as “a new era of development.”
The editorial emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “If the Chief Minister’s commitments come to fruition, it will be a landmark achievement not only for Gadchiroli but for all of Maharashtra. Maoism, which has long marred Indian society by drawing young individuals into a parallel armed governance under the pretext of combating exploitation, can be eradicated if the CM’s strategies prove successful.”
Taking a jab at former Guardian Minister and current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the editorial claimed that his visits to Gadchiroli prioritized the profits of mining barons over the welfare of tribals.
Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena MP, defended the party's unexpected praise for Fadnavis during a media interaction, stressing that the government’s initiatives in Gadchiroli warrant acknowledgment. “If Maoists surrender and choose the constitutional path, we will welcome it,” Raut asserted. He also accused Shinde of promoting corruption and neglecting developmental priorities during his term.
In the meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also commended Fadnavis for his initiatives in Gadchiroli, stating, “I applaud the Maharashtra government’s endeavors to develop remote, Maoist-affected regions. This will enhance the ease of living and foster progress. Congratulations to my brothers and sisters in Gadchiroli.”
The acknowledgement from Shiv Sena UBT of Fadnavis’ efforts signifies a notable tonal shift, emphasizing the importance of the developmental push in one of Maharashtra’s most challenging areas.
