Sadavarte claims Eknath Shinde will not become Chief Minister in future

Mumbai: Gunaratna Sadavarte addressed a press conference on a number of issues. Various developments are moving quickly in Maharashtra politics at present. Amid this, Sadavarte's remark on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's prospects of becoming Chief Minister has given political circles a new talking point.

Sadavarte praised the event at which Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared a stage. It was a book publication programme of Granthali, held yesterday. Sadavarte said, "They looked like organic politicians. It was a natural event. Salute to Granthali for holding such a programme. The three leaders looked like roses. Maharashtra has taken a different ideal."

He said Maharashtra has a great cultural heritage, and for this reason he welcomed the event. Sadavarte also said, "Yesterday we saw organic political politics. We should think beyond politics."

Speaking on Eknath Shinde's politics, Sadavarte called it hybrid politics. Reacting to a statement by Sanjay Shirsat, he was direct. Sadavarte said, "I am telling you openly and emphatically that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will not be Chief Minister in the days to come." This is his own political claim, and there has been no official announcement on the matter.

On the case concerning Pradip Purnekar's family, Sadavarte appealed to the police not to be lax in the investigation. In this context he expressed suspicion while referring to a bearded man or a DCP-rank officer. He has not offered any official confirmation of these allegations.

Sadavarte also expressed anger over Sanjay Gaikwad's statement about farmers. He asked, "How shameful it is to speak like this about farmers. What ideology is this?" Sadavarte also made clear, "We are not any BJP spokespersons." He also said that if Uddhav Thackeray invites the Chief Minister home on the occasion of Diwali, the Chief Minister should go.