Daijiworld Media Network - Nashik
Nashik, Aug 29: A political war of words has erupted in Maharashtra over preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut taking a swipe at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over an event organised in the city.
The Maharashtra government is undertaking several development and infrastructure projects in Nashik ahead of the Kumbh Mela, with large sums being allocated to ensure that the major religious gathering is conducted smoothly.
Fadnavis visited Nashik on Friday to inspect various development works and also attended a programme related to the Kumbh Mela.
Following the programme, Raut shared a video on social media that appeared to show several empty chairs at the event. Taking a dig at the chief minister, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed that Fadnavis had invited Nashik residents to the programme in connection with the Kumbh Mela.
Raut wrote that the response to the chief minister's appeal had been "unprecedented" and alleged that people did not have faith in the government, while also making an allegation regarding the use of EVMs.
"People don't have faith in them, yet they insert votes into EVMs and win elections," Raut claimed in his post.
The remarks came amid a wider political dispute over allegations of corruption in the Kumbh Mela-related development works.
Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan had alleged corruption in the projects and demanded that a report detailing the expenditure on the works be made public.
Responding to the allegations, Fadnavis said information regarding all the projects had already been made public and there was nothing being kept secret.
"Information about all the projects has been made public. There is not a single hidden project. All the information is in the public domain and they should check it," Fadnavis said.
He further accused those making corruption allegations of attempting to defame the Kumbh Mela.
"Those who have corruption in their minds and in their conduct want to come here every day and show corruption," the chief minister said.
Fadnavis alleged that repeatedly claiming that corruption was taking place was part of the opposition's strategy to discredit the Kumbh Mela.
He also drew a comparison with allegations made following developments related to the Ram temple, claiming that similar allegations had been made there and that the alleged amount involved had eventually reached Rs 1,800 crore.
According to Fadnavis, the opposition was deliberately targeting places associated with Sanatan traditions and Hindu faith by repeatedly making allegations and creating confusion among people.
"They want to keep making such allegations, keep lying and keep creating confusion in people's minds," he said.
Fadnavis, however, maintained that people would ultimately see through what he described as an attempt to create confusion.
"However much they try to create confusion, the public knows everything," he said.
The political exchange comes as Maharashtra steps up preparations for the Nashik Kumbh Mela, with infrastructure, civic amenities and other development works being undertaken across the city.