Mumbai: Hitting out at the Shiv Sena for not entering into an electoral alliance with the BJP, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Sena did so because it did not want a corruption-free civic body and transparency in administration.
“I did not demand anything great. I said we want transparency. But Sena did not want corruption-free governance. They break the alliance. I was speaking because I do not run my party on BMC funds,” he said.
Claiming that earlier elections were fought on emotional issues such as attacks on north Indians, Mr. Fadnavis said not a single attack on north Indians has taken place after he came to power. “Those who reside in Mumbai are Mumbaikars and no one can dare to even touch them. Whoever has lived in the city belongs to this city, be it south Indian or Bihari. I am not afraid of attending Chhath Puja celebrations.”
Comparing Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray’s speeches with the covering fire by Pakistan army to distract Indian soldiers at the border, Mr. Fadnavis said he (Mr. Thackeray) did nothing but divert attention during the campaigning from development issues.
He blamed the Sena for corruption in road construction, nullah-cleaning and in running dumping grounds. “People have decided that this year is for bringing change and I am sure change will happen.”
