Pune: Baba Adhav Ends Hunger Strike After Meeting with Key Leaders; Uddhav Thackeray Targets EVMs, Eknath Shinde

Pune, 30th November 2024: After three days of fasting, social activist Baba Adhav has called off his hunger strike today. His decision came after meetings with several political leaders, including NCP leader Ajit Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) party chief Uddhav Thackeray, and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) leader Jayant Patil, all of whom urged him to end his protest.

Though Baba Adhav agreed to end his hunger strike, he emphasized that his agitation would continue, signaling that the fight for his cause is far from over. In a show of solidarity, Uddhav Thackeray visited the ongoing protest at Bhide Wada in Pune, where he strongly criticized the Mahayuti alliance and the Modi government at the Center, particularly focusing on the results of the recent state assembly elections.

Thackeray, speaking to the crowd, accused the ruling parties of manipulating the electoral system, especially highlighting the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He expressed concern over the reported increase of 76 lakh votes in the final hour of vote counting, calling it suspicious. “Why did the votes increase so suddenly, and why does the government show no joy despite such a monstrous majority?” Thackeray questioned. He also mocked the government’s actions after the election results, particularly the visit to temples instead of celebrating in official capacities.

While Thackeray did not directly name him, he took a swipe at caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, claiming that the government’s mindset was evident when they went to worship during Amavasya, an indication of their lack of connection with the people. “This is the spark needed to ignite a bigger movement. This is not just about Maharashtra, but about the future of our democracy,” Thackeray said, vowing that Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will continue to rally behind Baba Adhav’s cause.

Thackeray also hinted at a forthcoming large-scale agitation against EVMs and the protection of democratic values, stating that such movements will spread across Maharashtra. “This is the second fight for freedom,” said MP Sanjay Raut, rallying against corporate influence, particularly targeting business tycoon Adani.

In a separate development, Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has been reported to be in poor health and is currently resting in his native village, Dare in Satara district. Doctors have been called to attend to him. Despite the growing interest from activists wanting to meet with Shinde, the police have imposed tight security around his residence. It is being reported that the Chief Minister will not meet anyone due to his health concerns.

As the political landscape continues to simmer with protests and allegations, the spotlight now turns to how these movements will shape the upcoming political battles in the state.