Nashik, Agency
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray today voiced his support for the ongoing protest by tribal students in Nashik, alleging that the Maharashtra government has failed to address their demands and has responded with delays and evasive assurances.
Speaking to the media here, he said the tribal students were on a hunger strike despite their demands not being difficult to resolve. He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had extended support to the protesters a day earlier and alleged that the government had previously made false promises to persuade protesters so they could withdraw their agitation.
He also raised concerns over the poor condition of highways and said the government appeared insensitive to people being forced to sit on hunger strikes.
Commenting on the arrest of social activist Pandit, Thackeray Junior questioned the timing of his arrest and the number of agencies the government is planning to send to his residence.
On the issue of the alleged assault involving Bapat, he said the reasons behind the incident should be examined.
He also raised concerns about highway robberies on the Samruddhi Mahamarg and referred to the alleged abduction of a former IAS officer in Delhi.
The Sena UBT leader alleged that the rules regarding loudspeaker were being applied selectively in certain constituencies and accused the Mahayuti government of using the police machinery for political purposes.
Questioning the change of the CEO of the Ram Temple, he asked why such a change had become necessary and alleged that questions were being raised about alleged irregularities and donation-related issues at the Ram Temple.
Responding to the Hindi language agitation, Thackeray Junior said the Deputy Chief Minister (Eknath Shinde) should clarify the government's stand on the issue.
Thackeray said that members of the Maratha, Dhangar and tribal communities were all staging protests across Maharashtra.
"Protests are taking place in every district because the government is unwilling to resolve people's issues," he said, alleging that consequently, the administrative system had collapsed and that the Chief Minister was not addressing major public concerns.
He further alleged that several farmers were yet to receive the benefits of the promised farm loan waiver.
Thackeray Junior also claimed that the Chief Minister was not in the mood to seek anyone's resignation and was more concerned about political developments in Delhi.
To a query on reopening of Disha Salian death case, he said he had no connection with the Disha Salian case and questioned the purpose of repeatedly commenting on the matter.
He also questioned why Hindu-Muslim disputes and controversies over vegetarian and non-vegetarian issues frequently emerged under BJP-led governments. He claimed that there was currently growing public sentiment against BJP.
Taking a swipe at the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Thackeray Junior quipped, "SIR means saying 'Yes Sir, Yes Sir' to the BJP."
On potholes in Nashik, he said his party was closely monitoring the pothole situation and would continue to keep track of how long newly constructed roads lasted. He also highlighted the poor condition and numerous potholes on the Mumbai-Goa Highway.
Commenting on a case registered against his cousin and MNS youth leader Amit Thackeray for alleged trespassing, Thackeray Junior questioned why photographs of political leaders were placed alongside images of Maharashtra's revered social reformers and great personalities.
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