“Everything Will Be Sorted Out”: Fadnavis Talks Alliance Candidates in Pune Visit

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 2nd November 2024: As the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections approach, there is a flurry of activity among every party and alliance, with their official candidates having already filed nominations. However, in some constituencies, aspirants from the same alliance have also filed nominations, either under the party or as independents.

To address this issue within Mahayuti, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis is in Pune today. During this visit, while speaking to the media, Fadnavis didn’t hold back in responding to the opposition.

With 4th November being the last date to withdraw nominations and tomorrow (3rd November) being a Sunday, there is not much time left. Candidates from the same alliances could complicate the situation, as one candidate could divert votes from another, giving an advantage to the opposition.

During his visit to Pune, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “As elections are approaching, meetings with some key leaders from Pune are scheduled. There are some things to discuss. People from other districts are coming to Pune too, as it is convenient for them.”

When asked about the situation of candidates from the same alliance in constituencies like Daund, Purandar, and Kothrud—where, after the official candidates were announced, some leaders from alliance parties have submitted forms and are ready to contest, and in some cases, even rebel—Fadnavis urged calm, stating that everything would be sorted out. “I expect them to withdraw their nominations,” he said.

Just earlier today, while speaking to the media, veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Sharad Pawar claimed that candidates from the ruling party are being provided support from police cars. When asked about this, Home Minister Fadnavis replied, “Some people tell me that during his time it used to happen. He must be hallucinating because it doesn’t happen now.”

In response to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut raising concerns about recent reports regarding the increased security of Devendra Fadnavis, he stated that if the Home Minister of Maharashtra isn’t safe, it raises serious concerns. Fadnavis humorously replied, “Don’t ask me to tell you who all needs security from Sanjay Raut.”

*”Don’t Take Jayant Patil Seriously”*

Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s statement about the late former Home Minister Raosaheb Ramrao Patil (RR Patil) has sparked controversy. Ajit Pawar stated at a public rally in Tasgaon that when he was accused of the ₹70,000 crore irrigation scam, then Home Minister RR Patil had signed an order for an investigation. Pawar further claimed that when Fadnavis became Chief Minister in 2014, the investigation began, and Fadnavis showed Ajit Pawar the file bearing RR Patil’s signature.

In response, the opposition has unleashed criticism, including Jayant Patil, who said, “Ajit Pawar was blackmailed by Fadnavis for 10 years as he was shown the file of the irrigation scam.” In reply, Fadnavis remarked, “Jayant Patil is always joking about things. You can see a smile on his face always. Don’t take him seriously.”