Nagpur, Dec 8 – In a significant political development, the Maharashtra opposition took aim at Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following the decision of Nawab Malik to align with the NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction and support the government.
Shiv Sena leader Sushma Andhare utilized social media, specifically Twitter, to criticize Fadnavis in light of Malik’s move. The political dynamics unfolded after Malik clarified his role for the first time since his release from jail, where discussions were ongoing about whether he would support Ajit Pawar’s group or Sharad Pawar’s faction.
Upon entering the Vidhan Bhavan premises for the winter session, Malik headed straight to the office of Ajit Pawar group minister Anil Patil, signaling his alignment. Subsequently, he took a seat in the last row of the treasury bench in the Legislative Assembly, indicating his affiliation with the Ajit Pawar group, according to an opposition leader.
Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Ambadas Danve seized the opportunity to question Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, highlighting the apparent contradiction of an MLA switching sides after serious accusations made earlier. In response to Danve’s accusations, Fadnavis expressed surprise at leaders who, despite vowing not to remove ministers in jail, are now taking a different stand.
Fadnavis clarified, “We are not sitting on anyone’s lap. We are only sitting on the lap of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.”
The political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve, with Nawab Malik’s move adding a new dimension to the dynamics between the ruling and opposition factions.
