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Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today launched a scathing attack on opposition leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, accusing the former of indulging in “empty rhetoric” devoid of any substantive work, while dismissing the latter’s controversial comparison of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Fadnavis’ remarks came during his visit to the famous Hanuman temple in Nagpur’s Gawlipura hill area, where he sought blessings on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.
Targeting his former ally-turned-rival Thackeray, Fadnavis questioned the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief’s track record as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. “Uddhav Thackeray should showcase the united work he did as Chief Minister. His party ruled the Mumbai civic body for nearly 25 years, yet he has nothing substantial to show from that period or his own stint of two-and-a-half years as CM,” Fadnavis said.
The Deputy CM accused Thackeray of resorting to criticism as his only means of political engagement. “If you look at his speeches, they are all fixed. I can even recite them myself. All he does is criticize, as he has nothing else to offer,” Fadnavis remarked.
Turning his attention to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s recent controversial statement likening PM Modi to Russian President Putin, Fadnavis said it reflected the opposition’s disappointment and desperation. “Currently, all opposition parties are disheartened, and such abusive remarks stem from that depression,” he stated.
However, Fadnavis brushed off Pawar’s Putin comparison, claiming it would only boost Modi’s popularity. “Whenever Modi ji is insulted by his opponents, people cheer him on even more. Such criticism is a big victory for the Prime Minister,” he asserted.
During his temple visit, Fadnavis said he sought Hanuman’s blessings for overcoming calamities in the country and for its development. “As Hanuman gives strength, he also gives wisdom. I have asked for both – strength to overcome challenges and wisdom for the nation’s progress,” he revealed.
In a lighter vein, Fadnavis added, “I have also requested wisdom for some of our opponents.”
As the high-decibel campaign for the Lok Sabha elections intensifies, Fadnavis’ sharp remarks have further heightened political hostilities, setting the stage for more heated exchanges between the ruling and opposition camps.
