In a scathing editorial published in its prominent Marathi daily 'Saamana', Shiv Sena (UBT) has alleged that Devendra Fadnavis, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former chief minister of Maharashtra, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a once-tolerant figure to one exhibiting traits of intolerance and arrogance. The editorial, penned by the party's chief Uddhav Thackeray and executive editor Sanjay Raut, claims that this change in demeanor can be attributed to Fadnavis's appointment as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra.
"Devendra Fadnavis would have returned to power post-2019 assembly elections had he not betrayed the Shiv Sena," the editorial states, highlighting the historical political shifts that led to the current power dynamic. The BJP and Shiv Sena had previously shared power but went their separate ways after the 2019 assembly elections, leading to the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government comprising Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress, as reported by PTI.
Fadnavis's subsequent role as deputy chief minister under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has triggered what the editorial describes as a marked change in his attitude. "Fadnavis was a tolerant person earlier, but his frustration after being made the deputy CM resulted in him becoming intolerant and arrogant...They made him share the deputy chief minister's post with Ajit Pawar, adding to his woes," the editorial notes.
The editorial also draws attention to Fadnavis's past statements, contrasting them with his current position. "It was Fadnavis who once said that he would send Ajit Pawar to jail and ensure that he would get rigorous imprisonment. But what is Fadnavis doing exactly now by sharing power with the same Ajit Pawar?" the editorial questions, raising concerns about the consistency of Fadnavis's political stance.
The editorial goes on to suggest that Fadnavis is now surrounded by individuals facing serious corruption charges and allegations of assault against women. The Shiv Sena (UBT) calls for Fadnavis to exercise caution and consider the company he keeps.
In response, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule criticized the editorial's tone and language, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum while critiquing political opponents. Bawankule indicated that the BJP leadership might take action against 'Saamana', expressing dissatisfaction with what he deemed as "vitriol" being spread by the publication.
Bawankule accused Uddhav Thackeray of harboring resentment and confusion stemming from the loss of party and power. He claimed that Thackeray's alignment with the NCP and BJP revealed a realization of past mistakes, specifically in reference to the party's decision to part ways with Fadnavis in 2019.
The BJP leader further stated, "There has to be a limit while criticising political opponents by a newspaper. Our leaders will soon take a decision on this...There could be some protest-like situation in Mumbai."
