Devendra Fadnavis Asked Me To Frame Thackerays: Anil Deshmukh

Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh alleges Devendra Fadnavis pressured him to make false affidavits against Uddhav Thackeray and others, sparking a new controversy in Maharashtra's political landscape.

Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has made serious allegations against BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis. Deshmukh claimed that Fadnavis pressured him to file false affidavits against ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and three other Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders. He stated that the BJP leader promised to halt investigations by probe agencies if he complied.

Deshmukh was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in November 2021 on money laundering charges. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also arrested him in April 2022 for corruption. He spent over a year in judicial custody before being granted bail by the Bombay High Court.

He alleged, "I refused to do that. That is why the ED and the CBI were sent after me, and I was kept in jail for 13 months." Deshmukh further claimed that an intermediary of Fadnavis made the offer, and he personally spoke to Fadnavis on the phone.

Political Reactions

Reacting to these claims, Fadnavis dismissed them as baseless. He said, "Some members from Anil Deshmukh's own party have provided me with audio and video clips from that time. They reveal what he said about Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. If false accusations are levelled against me, I will have no choice but to make this evidence public."

Deshmukh dared Fadnavis to release any video clips he claims to possess. "Fadnavis should make the video clips public because I know he possesses none," Deshmukh said during a press conference while showing a pen drive, which he claimed contained crucial evidence against Fadnavis.

Background of the Case

Anil Deshmukh served as Home Minister in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in 2021 when then Mumbai Police Commissioner accused him of directing police officers to collect money from hotel and bar owners across Mumbai. These allegations led to his resignation amid a significant political controversy.

The Congress leader also alleged that he was asked to speak against Ajit Pawar, Thackerays, and Anil Parab. "I was told if accusing Ajit Pawar wasn't possible, I should speak out against the Thackerays and Anil Parab (Shiv Sena)," Deshmukh added.

The political row has intensified with these fresh allegations, adding another layer of complexity to Maharashtra's political landscape. Both leaders continue to stand firm on their respective claims, leaving much uncertainty about what might unfold next.