Devendra Fadnavis accuses MVA of failing to defend the OBC quota in local bodies and demanding a CBI investigation into selection exam irregularities

On the eve of the winter session, Opposition Leader Devendra Fadnavis slammed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), saying that there is no democracy in Maharashtra, only dictatorship and 'rokhshahi' (money collection). He questioned the state government's presence and stated that it had failed on all fronts. Fadnavis blamed the MVA administration for the inability to safeguard the OBC political reservation in local government. He stated that the BJP will request a CBI investigation into alleged anomalies and malpractices in several government ministries' recruitment examinations.

Fadnavis alleged that the state government fouled up the distribution of crop insurance to farmers affected by natural disasters. He further said that the 12 BJP lawmakers were suspended for a year during the monsoon session to keep the opposition quiet and to ensure the government's survival. It was also an attempt, he claimed, to limit the number of BJP legislators in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker's election.

"On the subject of OBC reservation, the MVA administration was exposed in the Supreme Court. The government had previously told the court that the Centre did not have empirical data on OBCs, but it now says it will collect the data in three months. The OBC quota was eliminated due to the government's delay. "During the winter session, the BJP will raise the issue," Fadnavis stated.

Meanwhile, the opposition boycotted today's traditional tea gathering, citing the government's attendance in the previous two years as a reason. Because citizens haven't seen Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in 45 days, state BJP Chief Chandrakant Patil believes he should take over the reins to his son, Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray or the MVA partners should form a board to oversee the government's operations.

After the cabinet meeting, which was practically attended by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed a press conference, saying the administration is ready to respond to any problem brought by the opposition. During the winter session, he said, the administration will introduce 26 bills, including five outstanding bills, as well as the joint select committee's report on the SHAKTI Act, which aims to reduce crime against women and children.

Images Courtesy: @Dev_Fadnavis