MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday termed Dhananjay Munde’s resignation as a “drama.” In an editorial published in Saamna, the party’s mouthpiece, the Sena (UBT) accused the BJP of using Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi’s controversial remarks on Aurangzeb to divert attention and prevent the opposition from taking credit for Munde’s resignation.
The editorial alleged that BJP’s “beloved” Abu Azmi was given a supari (contract) to make a statement on Aurangzeb. “The eulogy sung by Azmi on Aurangzeb was directly sponsored by the government. Do you think people are stupid?” the editorial questioned.
“As per the instructions of BJP-Shinde, Azmi stated within the assembly premises how good an administrator Aurangzeb was. The moment Azmi made this statement, BJP created an uproar. As soon as the opposition raised its voice demanding Munde’s resignation, the ruling benches caused a commotion over Azmi’s statement. The assembly was adjourned amidst the chaos.”
The editorial further alleged that individuals like Asaduddin Owaisi at the national level and Abu Azmi in Maharashtra are BJP’s “brand ambassadors.” It claimed that BJP’s “bubble of morality” had burst in both the Munde and Azmi controversies. “Azmi did a great job as BJP’s Eklavya. His eulogy on Aurangzeb was directly sponsored by the government. Do you think people are fools?” it reiterated.
Addressing Munde’s resignation, the editorial stated, “Dhananjay Munde has resigned, but this is just a drama. Santosh Deshmukh, the Sarpanch of Massajog, was brutally murdered by goons allegedly backed by Munde in an Aurangzeb-like manner. Munde should have resigned long ago, taking moral responsibility for this murder. In reality, he should have been removed from the cabinet. However, according to his resignation letter, he has stepped down due to medical reasons rather than the Deshmukh murder case.”
The editorial criticized the language used in Munde’s resignation letter, calling it a “cruel mockery of morality.” It quoted Munde’s letter: “I have not been in good health for the past few days. My doctor has advised me to take rest, so I am resigning from my ministerial post.”
Mocking his claim, the editorial added, “Munde says he is suffering from a serious illness called Bell’s Palsy and cannot speak properly for even two minutes. Yet, if you observe the comments he has made after his resignation, he seems to be speaking fluently. How can we trust him?”