Devendra Fadnavis says Thackeray cousins' Mumbai march is bid to reclaim political space

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took a swipe at Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena MNS president Raj Thackeray over their proposed joint march in Mumbai claiming it appeared to be an attempt to revive their political fortunes rather than a movement centred on students concernsThe two Thackeray cousins have announced a joint Tiranga march in Mumbai on Sunday in support of students and Cockroach Janta Party CJP supporters protesting against the Centre over alleged examination irregularitiesFadnavis made the remarks after offering prayers at the Shri VitthalRukmini Temple in Pandharpur on the occasion of Ashadhi EkadashiFadnavis questions motive behind marchResponding to questions on the proposed march and the ongoing protests the Chief Minister said everyone has the right to express their views in a democracy but questioned the political intent behind the demonstrationI think everyone has the right to express their views in a democracy But I believe this march has very little to do with students It appears to be more of an attempt to recreate political space for themselves However I extend my good wishes to them Fadnavis told reportersHis remarks come as the Opposition seeks to intensify its campaign over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for accountability from the CentreCM distinguishes between genuine protesters and political elementsFadnavis said the ongoing agitation comprised both genuine protesters concerned about the future of students and individuals attempting to exploit the movement for political purposesThe seriousness of the issue has brought many people to protest peacefully because they are concerned about the future of the youth At the same time there are also people trying to exploit the agitation for political gains including those indulging in violence and attempting to create lawlessness he saidThe Chief Minister alleged that some elements were attempting to create disorder under the guise of protestsRefers to Sonam Wangchuk ending hunger strikeFadnavis also referred to activist Sonam Wangchuks decision to end his hunger strike after receiving assurances from the CentreThat is why Sonam Wangchuk ended his fast His demands were accepted by the government action has begun and he has appealed to everyone that the movement should continue peacefully he saidThe Centre has announced that it will introduce legislation providing for stricter action against examination paper leaks and has also said fasttrack courts have been established to handle such casesTemple corridor project to begin this yearSpeaking about the proposed Pandharpur Temple Corridor Fadnavis reiterated that work on the project is expected to begin this yearThe key components of the project will be completed in two to twoandahalf years while the entire project will take around threeandahalf to four years Discussions had been held with most stakeholders and the concerns of 80 to 90 per cent of those affected had been addressed The remaining issues would also be resolved through dialogue he saidAccording to the Chief Minister the project aims to improve infrastructure around the temple and make the darshan process more convenient for the growing number of pilgrims visiting Pandharpur every yearThackeray defends proposed protestEarlier on Friday Uddhav Thackeray defended the proposed march and criticised the governments handling of protests over the alleged examination paper leakAddressing supporters in Mumbais Dadar area he said the march would be a peaceful demonstration in support of studentsThis is jan ki baat voice of people and Delhi has to listen to it The way students were attacked teargassed I am warning the government you can have lathis but we have tirangas Lets see who wins he saidThe joint march by the Thackeray cousins is being seen as a rare show of unity between the Shiv Sena UBT and the MNS with both parties seeking to back student protests over alleged examination irregularities and education reformsWith inputs from PTI