Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for alleged corruption in the Mumbai-Pune Expressway ‘Missing Link’ project. The party’s editorial in ‘Saamana’ accused Fadnavis of overseeing a significant inflation in the project’s budget, reaching Rs 7,180 crore from the original estimate of Rs 4,797.55 crore.
The editorial highlighted that the project cost an exorbitant Rs 540 crore per kilometer, labeling it as a “world record in corruption.” It also criticized Fadnavis for using aggressive language against critics and opposition, questioning his approach to those raising concerns about corruption in the state.
Shiv Sena’s editorial drew a comparison between current leaders and past Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, praising the wisdom and statesmanship of former leaders like Yashwantrao Chavan. It accused Fadnavis of running a government focused on poaching legislators and lacking emotional attachment to the state, likening his administration to historical plunderers.
The editorial concluded by alleging that Fadnavis’ government operates akin to a “Champat Rai” style cabinet, emphasizing the purchase of MLAs and MPs as a means of governance. It criticized the administration for what it termed as a mockery of democracy, highlighting a perceived lack of integrity and ethical governance.
