Uddhav Thackeray criticises Rane, Ajit at rally in Konkan

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray criticised state industries minister Narayan Rane and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, saying that both have deceived the people of Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray criticised state industries minister Narayan Rane and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, saying that both have deceived the people of Maharashtra.

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Addressing his cadres as a part of a statewide tour at Kudal, in Konkan, which is Rane’s homeground, Thackeray said Rane was indulging in a land-grabbing spree.

“Land is acquired in the name of development and is then gobbled up by land sharks. The people here have been reduced to begging and we will no longer tolerate this,” he said.

“We have seen how land was acquired for the [Konkan] airport, but nothing took place,” Thackeray said. He also took potshots at Sindhdurg MP and Rane’s son Nilesh, saying he hardly wields any influence in the central government.

“Konkan had been represented by stalwarts such as Nath Pai, Madhu Dandavate and Suresh Prabhu, but here the current member of Parliament (MP) is a failure and has hardly solved any problems that the people here face,” he added.

He also warned Rane not to test the patience of the Konkan people as they would soon retaliate against him.

Thackeray called Ajit Pawar’s day-long hunger strike to repent his urine remark, a “drama”. “If you really want to understand the plight of the people, go and stay with them and look for water as they do. Do not indulge in such gimmicks,” he said.

Thackeray then spoke on his pet theme—opposition to the Jaitapur power project. He said the project would spell doom for the region.

“Jaitapur will not benefit the Konkan people. The entire electricity generated will be taken up by the central government. Let them set up the project anywhere outside the state and we will gladly pay for the power,” he said.