CM Devendra Fadnavis running mobocracy, not govt: Shiv Sena (UBT) in 'Saamana'

Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic

Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing his government of running a "mobocracy" and raising allegations of large-scale corruption in the Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link' project.

In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece ‘Saamana', the Uddhav Thackeray-led party criticised the Chief Minister's remarks against the opposition and questioned the government's response towards those raising concerns about alleged irregularities.

The editorial alleged that the cost of the ‘Missing Link' project, which was developed to bypass the ghat sections on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, had increased significantly from its initial estimate.

Saamana questions rise in Mumbai-Pune Expressway project cost

According to the editorial, the original estimated cost of the 13-kilometre project, which includes two tunnels, an eight-lane road and two bridges, was Rs 4,797.55 crore.

"Even with standard escalations, it should not have crossed Rs 5,500 crore. However, the final expenditure skyrocketed to Rs 7,180 crore," it said.

The editorial claimed that the project cost nearly Rs 540 crore per kilometre and described it as a "world record in corruption". It also questioned the quality of construction, alleging that parts of the project witnessed leakage during the first spell of seasonal rainfall.

"If someone does research on the corruption of this Missing Link, they could easily earn a doctorate from Cambridge or Oxford University," it remarked.

Party criticises CM Fadnavis over Assembly remarks

The editorial also criticised CM Fadnavis over his alleged remarks directed at those questioning the government.

"Questioning our corruption defames Maharashtra. I will deal with those who defame the state," the editorial quoted him as saying.

Shiv Sena (UBT) objected to the language allegedly used against opposition leaders and citizens who questioned government decisions.

The party said the language of threatening or targeting critics was not appropriate in a democratic system and questioned the government's approach towards opposition voices.

"Are you going to cut the tongues of those speaking against corruption, or are you going to shoot them down like Karsevaks?" the editorial questioned.

Shiv Sena (UBT) compares current leadership with former Chief Ministers

The editorial further alleged that money generated through corruption was being used for political activities, including influencing elected representatives.

It accused the current leadership of lacking the approach shown by previous Maharashtra Chief Ministers and referred to the legacy of leaders such as Yashwantrao Chavan.

The editorial also mentioned former Chief Ministers, including Vasantrao Naik, Vasantdada Patil, Sharad Pawar, Vilasrao Deshmukh, Manohar Joshi and Uddhav Thackeray, stating that they understood the responsibility attached to their public statements.

Editorial accuses government of weakening democratic values

Continuing its criticism, Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that the current administration had damaged democratic practices in Maharashtra.

"Today, the state is not being governed; a 'Champat Rai' style cabinet is plundering Maharashtra. If CM Fadnavis and his associates think they are flawless, they are mistaken. Their only major achievement has been running a government by purchasing MLAs and MPs for Rs 50 crore each. This is a mockery of democracy," the editorial concluded.

The allegations come amid continuing political exchanges between the ruling alliance and opposition parties in Maharashtra.