Maharashtra: Raj Thackeray Targets Fadnavis Over Satam’s ‘Insensitive’ Remarks
Raj Thackeray, in his social media post, said such comments reflected a lack of sensitivity towards citizens affected by civic failures during the monsoon: Reports
MUMBAI: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government, accusing it of insensitivity over recent remarks made by BJP leaders following rain-related deaths in Mumbai. The controversy stems from a viral video showing Mumbai BJP president and MLA Ameet Satam speaking with NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil in the Maharashtra legislature premises.
In the clip, Mr. Satam is heard referring to two recent monsoon-related fatalities, saying, “Yesterday tree, today manhole,” while appearing to smile. The remarks were widely circulated on social media and drew sharp reactions from opposition parties.
Raj Thackeray, in his social media post, said such comments reflected a lack of sensitivity towards citizens affected by civic failures during the monsoon.
Targeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the MNS chief said, “People across East, West, North, and South India are openly saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party's central leadership has become arrogant with power. People had, and still have, anger in their minds about how the central leaders are behaving arbitrarily. But has this infection now spread to our state too? And are you letting it spread?”
Mr. Thackeray added that the CM he has no control over BJP leaders who make loose and irresponsible remarks. “Maharashtra believed, and I believed too, that Devendra Fadnavis is a cultured and sensitive Chief Minister. But when incidents like these happen and you express no regret over them, it makes one doubt your sensitivity,” he said.
Hitting back at the MNS leader, Mr Satam said the opposition is twisting facts and distorting meanings. “While we were discussing the manholes, Jayant Patil arrived there. He said that he had given a speech about this in the House the day before. To this, I told him that yesterday the tree falling was the issue and today’s discussion is about a manhole. He smiled as acknowledgement, patted me on the back, and left. I also smiled and responded to him. But some people are trying to manufacture news instead of reporting facts,” he said.
“I don't feel the need to respond to people who just sit at home and write posts. Have Mumbaikars ever seen Aaditya Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, or Uddhav Thackeray out on the streets? No, right? The Mayor of Mumbai is out visiting the city, and all of us public representatives are on the ground conducting inspections. Yet, attempts are being made to target me,” the BJP leader added.
On June 29, an 11-year-old boy was killed in Chembur when a tree collapsed onto a school bus. Just days later, on July 2, a man identified as Aslam Sheikh lost his life after falling into an open manhole in Sakinaka. The incidents led to stormy scenes in the legislature as furious lawmakers demanded accountability from the government.