Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leaders met Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan on Monday, submitted evidence in the honey trap case and sought the ouster of tainted ministers from the Fadnavis-led Mahayuti cabinet.
File Photo: IANS
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leaders met Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan on Monday, submitted evidence in the honey trap case and sought the ouster of tainted ministers from the Fadnavis-led Mahayuti cabinet.
Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab submitted many incriminating documents and other evidence against Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam and Minister for Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat as well as some honey trap-related evidence to the governor.
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“We have also complained about Ministers Nitesh Rane and Sandipan Bhumre. The (Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader) Sanjay Gaikwad assault case and the gang war in the legislature have brought the legislature into disrepute. The governor said he is aware of the situation and that it is his duty as the governor to maintain the dignity of Maharashtra,” Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader Sushma Andhare said.
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“I will discuss this matter with the chief minister. We have demanded the resignations of Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam, Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Minister for Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat, Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, and Minister for Ports Development Nitesh Rane besides Sandipan Bhumre,” Andhare told media persons after meeting the Maharashtra Governor.
However, Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly supported Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam, who has been facing political fire for allegedly running a ladies dance bar in Kandivali in his mother’s name as well as alleged involvement in the illegal sand mining in Dapoli constituency. Shinde condemned all allegations and assured Kadam of full backing from the party.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Meenatai Thackeray Cultural Centre in Khed taluka, Shinde said, “Yogesh (Kadam) has no need to worry about these accusations. Shiv Sena and I are firmly with him. He is a dedicated worker. Making baseless allegations or demanding resignation is absolutely wrong. Those who themselves are looters are now calling others thieves. This won’t work. Our focus is on development and we will continue on that path. No matter what conspiracies are played, the Kadam family will always stand with the people.”
The event was organised as part of a special celebration for senior Shiv Sena leader and former minister Ramdas Kadam’s 73rd birthday.
Later, social activist Anjali Damania reacted to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s open support to Yogesh Kadam, saying, “Eknath Shinde had once said he closed 50 dance bars. I sent a list of 15 dance bars running in Thane to the Home Ministry along with videos and other details. They are still running in Shinde’s stronghold of Thane. Once a raid is conducted, everything will be revealed about what Shinde says and what the real situation is. If such dance bars run in the name of the mother of the Minister of State for Home Affairs (Yogesh Kadam), that is not good for Maharashtra”.
It may be recalled that the Opposition has been mounting political pressure to remove around eight ministers from the Maharashtra cabinet. The pressure to remove Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate increased after he was caught using a gambling application on his mobile phone in the premises of the state assembly. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has hinted at Kokate’s exit.
Minister for Social Justice Sanjay Shirsat is embroiled in a controversy after bundles of currency notes were found at his house. Earlier he was accused of rigging the auction of a hotel which was to be purchased by his son.
Yogesh Kadam has been in trouble after a ladies’ dance bar was found running in the name of his mother.
Minister for Food and Drugs Administration Narhari Zirwal has been accused of lack of communication and poor performance.
Minister of Ports Development Nitesh Rane is always in the news for making controversial statements.
Rural Development Minister Jayakumar Gore has courted controversy after allegations were made by a woman and School Education Minister Dada Bhuse came under a cloud after the decision to make Hindi compulsory since Class 1.
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