Deck Of Cards Alleging MVA Scams Sparks Political Controversy
Senior Congress leader Sachin Sawant alleged that the cards were being circulated by the BJP’s IT team, claiming the ruling party had no development work to showcase ahead of elections.
Mumbai: A specially designed deck of playing cards alleging irregularities during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s tenure has sparked political controversy ahead of Maharashtra’s civic elections. The 52-card deck targets the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government, with each card claiming to represent an alleged scam during its rule.
Senior Congress leader Sachin Sawant alleged that the cards were being circulated by the BJP’s IT team, claiming the ruling party had no development work to showcase ahead of elections.
The cards feature caricatures of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, NCP founder Sharad Pawar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and NCP leader Supriya Sule. The box carries the slogan “Hi Gadi Khandani Nahi” (this throne is not hereditary). Printed in Marathi, each card lists the alleged scam, a brief description and the department concerned.
One card depicts Raj Thackeray with the label “Supari Raja” (contract king) and the line “Supari Milali Ki Hangama Suru!” (drama starts immediately after getting a contract). Another portrays Sharad Pawar as “Arajakatecha Pitamah” (the grand patriarch of lawlessness), accompanied by the message “Maharashtrach Manipur hoil” (Maharashtra will become Manipur). Other cards allege corruption worth Rs one lakh crore during Shiv Sena’s 25-year rule in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and irregularities worth Rs three lakh crore related to Covid centres.
According to sources, the decks are available at local shops and roadside stalls, particularly in Mumbai.
Reacting to the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey said rival parties were attempting to malign Uddhav Thackeray’s image. He said Mr Thackeray had handled the Covid crisis effectively and accused opponents of spreading misinformation. “Uddhav Thackeray was among the five best chief ministers in handling Covid situation. Our opponents are spreading a false narrative about the work carried out during the pandemic,” he said.
Congress leader Sachin Sawant alleged that the BJP was indulging in character assassination through its IT cell. “The BJP has nothing to showcase and is resorting to false narratives,” he said.
Mumbai MNS president Sandeep Deshpande said it was inappropriate to target political leaders through such material and called for government action against those responsible.
NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase demanded immediate seizure of the cards and questioned how such propaganda was being circulated. He defended Sharad Pawar’s contribution to Maharashtra’s development.
