Mumbai: The Congress on Friday criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his recent comments on farmers, the media and rival politicians, calling the remarks undignified. In a series of statements in the past two days, Mr. Fadnavis had called some farmers’ leaders anti-national and referred to Opposition leaders as dalal s (agents).
On Thursday, the Chief Minister had dismissed speculation that he was moving to Delhi, and said the media was circulating the story because of “vested interests”. “I can understand; they have to run a dukaan (shop). The media only focuses on fights within the party. I do not blame them for running such stories as they will not be able to run their dukaan otherwise,” he had said.
The Congress said Mr. Fadnavis seems to have lost the dignity needed to function as a Chief Minister. This will harm his reputation more than anything else, Congress leaders said.
“Dignity and politeness are simply invaluable in politics. The Chief Minister seems to have forgotten these two traits while calling everyone names, including farmers, the media and Opposition. He should look at what he has lost as a result of making these statements, and save his as well as Maharashtra’s dignity,” said Congress leader and spokesperson Sachin Sawant.
Mr. Fadnavis had reacted strongly to attempts made by farmers’ leaders to stop ministers from hoisting the national flag on Independence Day, calling it to be a pressure tactic to demand a loan waiver. “This is anti-national. Who are these people behind this agitation?” he had said.
At a rally in Bhayandar on Thursday, Mr. Fadnavis appealed to people to vote for his government at the local level as well. “If you choose the Opposition, they will come with a begging bowl to us. Why do you need such dalal s for that,” he said in the rally on Thursday.
Mr. Sawant said the Opposition and media have an important role to play in a democracy. “It is their right to question implementation of projects and schemes. Instead of introspecting about the work of his government, the CM is busy using derogatory language against everyone,” Mr. Sawant said.
