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Sanjay Raut also accused former Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde of fostering corruption and ignoring developmental priorities during his tenure
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. (PTI File)
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday defended the party’s rare praise for Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, recognising his efforts to eliminate Maoist influence in Gadchiroli through expedited developmental works.
Raut noted that the party commended Fadnavis due to the progress made in Gadchiroli, a district once heavily affected by Naxalism.
“We have praised Devendra Fadnavis as the govt has done a good job. Maharashtra is our state and a place like Gadchiroli which is affected by naxalism. If Naxalites surrendered and opted for the constitutional path, we welcome that,” Raut stated.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, “We have praised Devendra Fadnavis as the govt has done a good job. Maharashtra is our state and a place like Gadchiroli which is affected by naxalism – if the Naxalites surrendered and opted for the… pic.twitter.com/dyNsTOwFOZ— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2025
In his remarks, Raut also accused former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of fostering corruption and ignoring developmental priorities during his tenure.
“The earlier ‘guardian minister’ could have done that, but instead, he appointed his agents and collected money that increased naxalism. We have worked with Devendra Fadnavis, and that relation goes on, but we are in the opposition and we will continue to raise the issues as well,” Raut added.
Additionally, Shiv Sena (UBT) praised Fadnavis for his efforts to eliminate Maoist influence in Gadchiroli.
The party’s mouthpiece, Saamana, in its editorial on Friday, applauded the Chief Minister’s commitment to transforming the district, following his visit and the announcement of a comprehensive development agenda.
“While the rule of guns persists in places like Beed, where brutal killing like that of sarpanch Santosh Deahmukh has occurred, Gadchiroli is witnessing the dawn of constitutional governance. For this, Chief Minister Fadnavis deserves praise,” the editorial noted.
It further remarked, “If the Chief Minister can redefine Gadchiroli as a ‘Steel City’ instead of a ‘Maoist district,’ his efforts should be welcomed. His vision of making Gadchiroli a leading district in Maharashtra, rather than the last, is commendable. However, he must ensure that this transformation benefits the common people and poor tribals, rather than serving the interests of mining magnates. Only then can his claim of ushering in a new era for Gadchiroli holds true.”
Fadnavis kicked off the new year with a visit to Gadchiroli, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation for several developmental projects.
The editorial stressed the significance of these efforts, stating, “If the Chief Minister’s promises materialize, it will be a milestone not just for Gadchiroli but for all of Maharashtra. Maoism, which has long tarnished Indian society by recruiting young men into a parallel armed government under the guise of fighting exploitation, can be eradicated if the CM’s plans succeed.”
(With inputs from IANS)
- Location :
Maharashtra, India
