Maharashtra letter gate resonates in Lok Sabha: BJP-Opposition clash, MVA allies meet to discuss fallout

Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 22

The controversy involving Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh facing allegations of extortion resonated in Lok Sabha on Monday with the BJP clashing with the Shiv Sena and the Congress over the issue.

BJP members of the Lok Sabha attacked the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress for “protecting" Deshmukh.

Majoj Kotak, BJP MP from Mumbai (northeast), led the demand for the resignation of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deshmukh. He demanded accountability after ex Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh alleged Deshmukh had ordered arrested policeman Sachin Vaze to collect Rs 100 crore per month.

“There are 1742 bars in Mumbai and the issue is grave as state home minister is accused of extorting Rs 100 crore. Why is the CM silent? This government is indulging in loot and extortion. We demand the resignation of CM and home minister and a CBI probe,” Kotak said.

After BJP’s Rakesh Singh, Poonam Mahajan and Amaravati MP Navneet Rana asked for action against Deshmukh, Shiv Sena’s Vinayak Raut alleged there are attempts to destabilise the Maharashtra government.

“All efforts have failed. We need to ask who is Param Bir Singh?” He said.

Congress MP Ravneet Bittu said interference of central agencies in Maharashtra will not be acceptable m.

“Why do central agencies interfere in opposition ruled states only? The main culprits are officers and we politicians keep blaming each other. Bureaucrats should not escape but equally Maharashtra will not accept central agency interference. You want to topple the Maharashtra government after MP,” said Bittu ahead of a crucial meeting among Maha Vikas Aghadi allies to decide on the Deshmukh issue.

Late last night, NCP Maharashtra chief Jayant Patil backed Deshmukh saying there was no question of Deshmukh resigning.

Clarity on the issue is expected on Monday with NCP Sharad Pawar questioning the timing of Param Bir Singh’s letter to CM Thackeray.

The Congress has also left the decision to NCP, leaving the decision to Pawar noting, “the matter pertains to that (NCP) portion of the alliance.”

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.