Aaditya Thackeray slams BJP over aide Suraj Chavan's arrest

Aaditya Thackeray. File Pic

Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has slammed the ruling BJP-led NDA government in Maharashtra following the arrest of his close aide, Suraj Chavan, in connection with the suspected BMC Khichdi Covid 'scam' case. Thackeray asserted that when opposition politicians are targeted, the BJP's 'washing machine' cleans up the wrongdoing.

Suraj Chavan, who has been held in ED custody until January 22, is accused of financial irregularities of Rs 1 million in connection with the distribution of 'khichdi' to migrant workers during the Covid-19 outbreak. Thackeray blasted the Maharashtra administration for cowardice and advised that those who are truly corrupt join the BJP to wash away their corruption stains.

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Former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray told ANI, "The (Eknath) Shinde government in Maharashtra is a cowardly regime. The CM is also a coward. He split our party and fell into the BJP's lap in a bid to shield himself against the corruption cases against him."

"Those who are genuinely corrupt join the BJP in a bid to wash off their graft taint in their washing machine. Those standing for the truth and fighting for the restoration of democracy and rule of law are with us," Aaditya, son of former CM Uddhav Thackeray, added.

Thackeray emphasised that people who stand for truth and strive for the restoration of democracy support the Shiv Sena. The arrest is part of the ED's money laundering investigation, which began in September last year following the filing of an FIR by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing.

The ED, in its remand application, according to a mid-day report mentioned that Chavan could provide Force One Multi Services work order for BMC's khicdi because of his close relationships with powerful people and senior political officials. The agency said that Force One Multi Services is a partnership firm and does not have its kitchen or license from the Department of Health or the Food and Drug Administration.

Additionally, the company provides bricks, sand, and security services. The agency noted that despite the company not being in the food production and supply industry, they got the khichdi distribution assignment; this work order was fraudulently obtained the ED said and added that it happened through its workers who influenced BMC/ MCGM because "it knew it would not be able to meet the eligibility requirements for receiving the contract".