Pune: Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis Criticizes Uddhav Thackeray’s Leadership Style in PCMC Virtual Inauguration Event
Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 10th March 2024: In a virtual inauguration event hosted by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, delivered a noteworthy address emphasizing the importance of genuine leadership and condemning political theatrics. Fadnavis particularly targeted former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of pretentious actions and praising Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for steering the metaphorical dumper in a different direction.
The event, held at Chikhali on Saturday, witnessed the presence of key political figures, including Shiv Sena MP from Maval Shrirang Barane, MLAs Mahesh Landge, Ashwini Jagtap, Uma Khapare, BJP Pimpri Chinchwad City President Shankar Jagtap, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey.
Drawing parallels between political manoeuvres and theatrical performances, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis warned against the repercussions of feigned leadership. He expressed, “Being a Natsamrat (Drama King) is not achieved through mere pretence. Such actions may lead to profound consequences, much like a penetrating knife striking the heart.” Fadnavis made this analogy while referencing two renowned Marathi movies, ‘Natsamrat’ and ‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusli,’ suggesting that their plots somehow mirror the current political landscape in Maharashtra.” Fadnavis went on to criticize Uddhav Thackeray, suggesting that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has effectively altered the political landscape by overturning the “dumper”.
Highlighting the importance of genuine leadership, Fadnavis remarked, “Good plays will be seen in the theatre started in the name of Jagadguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj. However, in recent times, more plays have started taking place outside the theatre, telling stories of the mind. There are various false numbers of insults. So there is doubt. But the public is wise.”
The Deputy Chief Minister also addressed environmental concerns, pointing out that 90% of the river pollution is due to water and garbage, with industries contributing only 10%. He emphasized the need for future-oriented infrastructure development in rapidly urbanizing areas like Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
MLA Mahesh Landge, present at the event, discussed ongoing development works in the included villages, stressing the need to plan for the next 25 years. Landge shared, “From 1997 to 2017, villages were deprived of development. Since 2017, works worth Rs 5000 crore have been done in this area. Many misunderstood my intellect. I have removed that misconception from the development work.”
Furthermore, Landge advocated expanding the Redzone to 500 yards instead of the current 2000, while acknowledging Devendra Fadnavis’s keen interest in the development of Pimpri-Chinchwad and encouraging him to continue the same. The event concluded with a call for genuine leadership and a commitment to sustainable development in the region.
