Fadnavis mocks Thackeray cousins' march as political ploy

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday dismissed the proposed march by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray against exam malpractices as a political ploy. Speaking in Pandharpur, Fadnavis suggested the march was a bid by the Thackeray cousins to regain lost political ground, rather than a genuine effort to support students.

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I think everyone has the right to express their views in a democracy. But I believe this march has very little to do with students. It appears to be more of an attempt to recreate political space for themselves.

"I think everyone has the right to express their views in a democracy. But I believe this march has very little to do with students. It appears to be more of an attempt to recreate political space for themselves," Fadnavis told reporters. He offered his "good wishes" to the cousins, whose political parties, the Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, have faced significant electoral setbacks.

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The seriousness of the issue has brought many people to protest peacefully because they are concerned about the future of the youth. At the same time, there are also people trying to exploit the agitation for political gains, including those indulging in violence and attempting to create lawlessness.

Fadnavis also drew a distinction between genuine protesters and those seeking to exploit the situation. He alleged that while many were concerned about the youth's future, some were attempting to incite violence and lawlessness. He cited activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his fast after the government addressed his demands as an example of constructive engagement.

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That is why Sonam Wangchuk ended his fast. His demands were accepted by the government, action has begun, and he has appealed to everyone that the movement should continue peacefully.

Separately, Fadnavis provided an update on the Pandharpur temple corridor project, stating that the government aims to commence work this year. He anticipates the project will take three-and-a-half to four years to complete, with most stakeholder concerns already addressed through dialogue.

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The key components of the project will be completed in two to two-and-a-half years, while the entire project will take around three-and-a-half to four years. Discussions had been held with most stakeholders, and the concerns of 80 to 90 per cent of those affected had been addressed. The remaining issues would also be resolved through dialogue.