As the political dispute escalates, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader challenged the minister to file a defamation suit or privilege notice, stating it would allow him to prove his "dance bar" allegations. Parab also plans to give evidence to CM Fadnavis and demand Kadam's resignation
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab. File Pic.
Amid the escalating political row, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Anil Parab on Tuesday dared Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam to file a defamation suit or bring a privilege notice against him, for linking him to a "dance bar", saying it would give a platform for him to prove the charges he has levelled, reported news agency PTI.
Addressing a press conference, Parab announced he would also approach Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to submit evidence against Kadam, who serves as Minister of State for Home, and demand his resignation.
This follows Kadam's statement on Monday that he would bring a privilege notice against Parab, a Member of Legislative Council (MLC), for making baseless accusations and connecting him to a "dance bar," which are currently banned in the state.
Reacting to Kadam's move, Parab stated, "I dare Yogesh Kadam to file a defamation suit and bring a privilege notice against me and give a platform to prove the charges against him. If the CM does not take action, then I will move the court."
Furthermore, last week, Parab had claimed that a "dance bar" in Mumbai held a permit in the name of Kadam's mother. The former minister argued that this constituted a conflict of interest, as a minister should not have business interests in a department they oversee.
Parab had also alleged in the state legislative council that on May 30, police raided the 'Saavali' bar in Mumbai's Kandivali area, apprehending 22 bar dancers and customers each as well as four staff members. On Tuesday, Parab added that this bar had been raided twice before, on May 28, 2023, and again on August 10, 2023, for the same offence.
"You [Kadam] said you are not aware of what's not happening in the bar. But you (Kadam) did not take any precaution. It is the direct responsibility of the minister," Parab asserted on Tuesday.
According to PTI, the Sena (UBT) leader also alleged that Kadam diverted "sand" from the Jagbudi river in Ratnagiri, his home district, to a dental college linked to his family, despite the construction material being intended for farmers. Parab further claimed that the dental college, where Kadam allegedly diverted the sand, is named after the minister's sister, and Kadam was also a director of the educational institute.
However, on Monday, the minister had stated he was no longer linked to the dental college. Regarding this, Parab countered that while Kadam may not hold an official position in the dental college now, however, his family remains involved in the trust that runs the college, which, according to Parab, signifies a case of conflict of interest.
(With inputs from PTI)
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