Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday accused the Congress party of repeatedly disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and demanded a public apology. Speaking at a ‘meet-the-press’ program at the Press Club in here, Fadnavis alleged that Congress distorted Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech in Parliament to mislead the public.
“The Congress should apologise to the nation for always insulting Ambedkar. Their anxiety was that no one should grow in stature above the Nehru-Gandhi family. They manipulated Amit Shah’s comments on Ambedkar to create a false narrative. The BJP and Shah cannot insult Ambedkar, even in their dreams,” said Fadnavis.
Claims of Distortion and Fake Narratives
The Chief Minister also accused the Opposition of twisting his own statements. Referring to his speech in the Maharashtra Assembly where he discussed Naxalites’ rejection of the Constitution, Fadnavis stated, “It was distorted to make it seem as though I did not believe in the Constitution. Such tactics are misleading and unacceptable.”
Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, warned that modern technology allows authorities to trace the digital footprint of individuals spreading false information.
Addressing Congress’s allegations about tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs), Fadnavis dismissed the claims, stating, “Congress knows that EVMs are tamper-proof. But one cannot wake up someone pretending to sleep.”
Massive Mandate and Challenges Ahead
Fadnavis highlighted the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance’s decisive mandate in the assembly elections, which he attributed to their ability to debunk the Opposition’s fake narratives during the Lok Sabha polls. “The mandate brings great expectations and challenges. As a Nagpur native, I assure you that power will never go to my head. I will never let you down. For me, power is a means of service,” he said.
Development in Gadchiroli and Commitment Against Lawlessness
Fadnavis expressed his willingness to serve as the guardian minister of Gadchiroli, a district in eastern Maharashtra affected by Naxal violence, if allowed. “Naxalism is at an all-time low in Gadchiroli, and substantial development is taking place in the region,” he remarked.
He also addressed the brutal murder of a sarpanch in Beed district, emphasizing that his government is taking the incident seriously. “We will not tolerate lawlessness, but defaming the entire Beed district is unwarranted,” Fadnavis said.
Discussions with Allies
Fadnavis noted that Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule would discuss the appointment of guardian ministers for districts with alliance partners NCP and Shiv Sena. “Whatever decision is made will be binding on me,” he assured.
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating his commitment to public service and ensuring the safety and development of Maharashtra’s citizens.
