BJP denies allegations of Devendra Fadnavis pushing man during visit to rain-hit area in Nagpur

Devendra Fadnavis/ File Photo

Allegations have surfaced that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pushed a man during his visit to a flood-affected area in Nagpur city, a charge firmly denied by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident has become a point of contention between the opposition and the BJP.

Both the Maharashtra Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) shared a video showing Fadnavis during his visit to a rain-hit area. In the video, it appears that Fadnavis pulled a man, who was accompanied by some women, toward him and engaged in conversation. The opposition described this as an "arrogance of power."

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NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto criticized Fadnavis in a tweet, stating, "Instead of spending his 'nights' in disguise to bring down the MVA government, Devendra Fadnavis should have spent his 'days' serving the people of his hometown Nagpur. Had he done that, he probably would not have faced the 'anger' of these people. P.S His behaviour here is not acceptable."

In response to the video, the Maharashtra BJP clarified that the statements made by the opposition are "misleading and politically motivated." According to the BJP, during Fadnavis' visit to the flood-affected area, numerous residents requested him to visit their homes. However, it was not feasible to visit all of them. When a resident insisted that Fadnavis visit his house and the police attempted to stop him, Fadnavis held the person's hand and brought him closer, intending to inform him that he would indeed visit his home.

The BJP further stated that it is natural for people in Nagpur to want Fadnavis, a local MLA, to visit their homes because he enjoys widespread popularity in the region. The party criticized the politicization of such incidents, taking a veiled dig at former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, suggesting that some individuals were detached from the concerns of the people.

Additionally, the BJP shared a video of Fadnavis visiting the home of the man seen in the controversial video, reinforcing the notion that Fadnavis is committed to serving his constituents.

Amidst these political controversies, Fadnavis visited areas surrounding Ambazari Lake, Nagpur's largest waterbody, which breached its boundaries due to heavy rains. The deluge, with extremely heavy rainfall of 109 millimetres in three hours, resulted in severe flooding, affecting around 10,000 homes. Tragically, four individuals, including a bedridden woman, lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while over 400 people had to be relocated to safety.