Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has publicly denied holding a secret meeting with Uddhav Thackeray, dismissing the reports as intentionally spread false news amidst political speculation.
Key Points
- Devendra Fadnavis denies reports of a secret meeting with Uddhav Thackeray, calling them false news.
- Fadnavis refutes claims about Dheerendra Shastri's comments on a historical meeting between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas, stating there is no historical evidence.
- Fadnavis addresses Dheerendra Shastri's remarks about dedicating a child to the RSS, interpreting it as supporting the preservation of Hindu culture.
- Fadnavis states that preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik are progressing, with a focus on river rejuvenation and water conservation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday denied meeting Shiv Sena-UBT president Uddhav Thackeray, amid reports that two leaders held discussions at the CM's official residence in Mumbai.
"What's the reason for a secret meeting with Uddhav Thackeray? We do not have any such subjects to discuss secretly. Even if Uddhav Thackeray wants to meet me, we can meet openly. No such meeting has taken place," Fadnavis told reporters after taking darshan of Lord Shiv in Trimbakeshwar.
He said some people are intentionally spreading false news, adding that notices will be sent to such (social media) handles.
"Action will be taken against such fake news accounts," he said.
Earlier, a media house linked to Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi had claimed that Fadnavis and Thackeray met on Wednesday midnight at the chief minister's official residence, 'Varsha', in Mumbai.
Fadnavis on Historical Claims and Controversies
Replying to a query regarding Dheerendra Shastri's comments on a historical meeting between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas, the chief minister said, "No such example is there in the history which we have learnt or the books available."
"There is no historical evidence supporting such claims," he added.
Shastri reportedly claimed that during the meeting, Shivaji Maharaj told Samarth Ramdas that he wanted to renounce responsibilities and warfare and offered his crown. In reply, Samarth Ramdas again kept the crown on Shivaji Maharaj's head and told him to look after his kingdom.
Noting that stories about great personalities often evolve differently over time, Fadnavis cited the examples of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, saying various folk versions exist in different regions.
He said people should avoid unnecessary controversy and react responsibly.
"People should understand things properly before reacting. Creating unnecessary chaos is not right," he said.
Samarth Ramdas, a 17th-century saint-poet, launched a spiritual movement to revive religion and spirituality among various sections of society. A section of people believes that he was the spiritual guru of Shivaji Maharaj, a claim refuted by some historians.
Fadnavis Addresses Remarks on RSS and Hindu Culture
Queried about Shastri's reported remarks that people should give birth to four children and dedicate one of them to RSS, Fadnavis said, "Many people express their views, and we should take it in the right context".
"What he (Shastri) meant was since the RSS is working to keep the Hindu culture and Sanatan traditional alive, one son of a house should join the Sangh," Fadnavis said.
Shastri made these purported comments at a foundation stone-laying ceremony in Nagpur a day before.
Kumbh Mela Preparations Underway
Fadnavis also said the state government's ongoing work related to the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik was progressing satisfactorily but needed to be accelerated.
He said the frequency and number of coordination meetings with religious leaders and akharas should be increased, adding that preparations are underway for river rejuvenation and water conservation initiatives linked with cultural awareness.
