Fadnavis asks in Thane why Congress receives donations from China, targets Rahul Gandhi

Political agitations heated up the atmosphere in different parts of the country on Sunday, November 1. While the INDIA bloc held its 'Chalo Delhi' agitation in Delhi, the Mahayuti took out a 'Loktantra Bachav' yatra in Thane. Allegations and counter-allegations have since intensified in political circles.

Addressing the Mahayuti's 'Loktantra Bachav' agitation in Thane, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on the Congress and Rahul Gandhi. Fadnavis asked directly how the Congress receives donations from China. The question has set off a fresh political controversy.

Several senior Mahayuti leaders joined Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on the march. A sizeable crowd of party workers and ordinary people was also seen. What drew the most attention was that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Minister Ganesh Naik shared the same stage.

Speaking at the gathering, Fadnavis questioned Rahul Gandhi's political role. He alleged that the marches being taken out by the Opposition were damaging the image of key institutions created by the Constitution.

Fadnavis also raised the issue of alleged financial help reaching the Congress from China. He asked Rahul Gandhi why the Congress and a trust linked to it receive donations from China. He also made the serious allegation that anarchy was being spread in the country through Chinese money.

Referring to the Emergency during the time of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Fadnavis criticised Rahul Gandhi. Taking a swipe at the Opposition's role, he said, "The liquor is the same, only the bottle has changed."

Fadnavis also took on the Opposition over the issue of the red Constitution book. He claimed that use of the red Constitution was merely a facade, and accused the Opposition of defaming institutions. He also objected to criticism of the RBI, the CAG, Parliament and the Election Commission, as well as the judiciary.

On the whole, the Mahayuti took an aggressive stance against the Opposition at the Thane agitation. Following Fadnavis's allegations about donations from China, the political climate in Maharashtra is likely to heat up further.