Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called on the Congress party to issue a public apology for allegedly disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Speaking at a ‘meet-the-press’ event at Nagpur Press Club, Fadnavis accused Congress of distorting Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s parliamentary speech to mislead the public.
“Congress should apologise to the nation for repeatedly insulting Ambedkar. Their fear has always been that no one should rise above the Nehru-Gandhi family. By manipulating Amit Shah’s comments, they created a false narrative. BJP and Shah hold Ambedkar in the highest regard and cannot insult him, even in their dreams,” he asserted.
Allegations of Twisting Statements
Fadnavis also accused the Opposition of distorting his remarks in the Maharashtra Assembly, where he had discussed Naxalites’ rejection of the Constitution. “My words were twisted to falsely portray that I do not believe in the Constitution. Such tactics are deceitful and unacceptable,” he said.
Warning against the spread of misinformation, Fadnavis emphasized that technology enables authorities to trace the digital footprints of those responsible for such acts.
Responding to Congress’s claims about EVM tampering, he remarked, “Congress knows EVMs are tamper-proof. But you cannot wake up someone who pretends to sleep.”
Development, Challenges, and Public Service
Fadnavis highlighted the massive mandate received by the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the assembly elections, crediting their ability to counter the Opposition’s fake narratives during the Lok Sabha polls. “This mandate brings immense responsibility and challenges. As a Nagpur native, I assure you that power will never go to my head. Power, for me, is a means to serve,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed his desire to serve as the guardian minister of Gadchiroli, a district in eastern Maharashtra affected by Naxal violence, if allowed. He noted that Naxalism in the region is at an all-time low, and significant development is underway.
Commitment to Law and Order
Addressing the brutal murder of a sarpanch in Beed district, Fadnavis reassured citizens that his government is treating the incident with utmost seriousness. “We will not tolerate lawlessness. However, it is unfair to defame the entire Beed district,” he added.
Collaboration with Allies
Fadnavis confirmed that Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is discussing the appointment of guardian ministers with alliance partners NCP and Shiv Sena. “Whatever decision is made will be binding on me,” he stated.