Devendra Fadnavis Addresses Uddhav Thackeray's Complaints About Bag Checks During Campaigning

Maharashtra's deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, criticised Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena UBT, for allegedly trying to distract the public. Thackeray had protested about election officials inspecting his bags. Fadnavis, while campaigning for Mahayuti candidate Sulabha Ganpat Gaikwad in Kalyan East, remarked that such checks were routine and not a cause for frustration.

Fadnavis questioned the necessity of Thackeray's complaints, stating that his own campaign team also underwent similar bag inspections without issue. He accused Thackeray of lacking substantial issues and resorting to complaints to garner votes. "What is wrong with checking bags? We had our bags checked during campaigning, and there was no need for this level of frustration," said Fadnavis.

Election Campaign Tensions

On Tuesday, Thackeray claimed that election authorities inspected his bags upon his arrival in Latur district for campaigning. This incident was shared by his party on social media. The BJP leader suggested that Thackeray's frustration was evident and unnecessary.

Fadnavis also criticised the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, which includes some of Thackeray's allies. He highlighted their legal challenge against the Ladki Bahin Yojana for women. According to Fadnavis, this move demonstrated a lack of unity within the opposition.

Industrial Growth in Maharashtra

Fadnavis contrasted the current government's achievements with those of Thackeray's previous administration. He claimed that under Thackeray's leadership, Maharashtra's industrial sector lagged behind. However, he stated that the current government has surpassed Karnataka and Gujarat in industrial investment.

He emphasised that Maharashtra now accounts for 52 percent of the country's total industrial investment this year. This growth reflects the state's improved economic standing under the present administration.

The ongoing political exchanges highlight the tensions leading up to the November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls. Both parties are intensifying their campaigns, focusing on different issues to sway voters in their favour.