Wadettiwar says BJP is deliberately sidelining Shinde's Shiv Sena, demands action against MLA Gaikwad

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, speaking in Nagpur, made sharp remarks on the relationship between the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. He said relations between the two parties, and between Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, are strained, and that both are trying to checkmate each other.

Wadettiwar said the BJP had fanned the controversy that has arisen over the Purnekar murder case. He said the two parties contested against each other in the election and are no longer on speaking terms. He alleged that files on funds are being held up and that there is confusion over the distribution of funds. He said the BJP has now decided to finish off Shinde's Shiv Sena.

He said there is a heavy tussle between the two parties. In Wadettiwar's words, "Stay together, fight, do what you like, but your fight should not affect Maharashtra's development." He claimed corruption in the government has risen sharply, the common man is suffering because of their fight, and no one's work is getting done at the lower levels. He remarked that it is like a quarrel between husband and wife.

Wadettiwar also said the government has a majority. According to him, Fadnavis has put his arrangements in order and leaders of the allied parties are also in touch with him. He said he does not think the government is going to fall.

Wadettiwar also commented on MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. Addressing the government and the Chief Minister, he said the MLA had insulted drought-hit farmers who are in distress in the state, and that this is a grave insult to farmers. He said he feels the insult has come from the government's side. He asked whether the government agrees with the statement if no action is taken against Gaikwad. He said that if the government does not agree, it should act, and that if it sees the tears in farmers' eyes and feels for them, it should act in that case too. He said discontent against the government has built up, so action should be taken against Gaikwad immediately.

Wadettiwar said a person who defames farmers has no right to remain an MLA. According to him, the party in which Gaikwad works should suspend him, and the government should take further action. He said the government should bring a resolution in the December session to suspend him. Wadettiwar said this is not the first time, as Gaikwad has spoken in low-level language several times before and there is no limit to his words. He also said that such people's tongues should be cut off.