Those seeking to join BJP must answer on temple funds theft, NEET leak: Aaditya Thackeray

Mumbai, Jul 9 (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday questioned leaders contemplating a political future with the BJP, asking whether they were willing to realign themselves with a party facing allegations over the Ram Temple donation theft and NEET paper leak. The former Maharashtra minister asserted his outfit will continue to stand up against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Those who are planning or thinking of joining the BJP should answer whether they are joining hands with those accused of embezzling Ram temple donations. Youths are protesting at Jantar Mantar (in Delhi) over the NEET paper leak. Are those who wish to go with the BJP comfortable with the NEET paper leak and the suppression of the Opposition's voice?" he asked while talking to reporters in Vidhan Bhavan premises here. The MLA from Worli in Mumbai was replying to questions over Opposition leaders joining the BJP and a meeting between NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, on Wednesday. Pawar is an ally of the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), while Shinde's party is a constituent of the BJP-led ruling Mahayuti coalition. "We are against those who oversee temple theft, those responsible for the NEET paper leak and those who suppress democratic voices. We are against the BJP," Thackeray maintained. Asked about Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' aggressive reply in the Assembly on Wednesday to a discussion on heavy rains and flood management in the state, the Opposition MLA claimed the CM may be shifted to Delhi by his party BJP. "I believe it is the last session of Fadnavis as chief minister of Maharashtra. He might be forced to come to Delhi like the BJP did with Shivraj Singh Chouhan (former Madhya Pradesh CM who is now a Union minister). His arrogance in yesterday's reply in the Assembly is coming from insecurity," stated Thackeray. Referring to drop in fuel prices after a spike due to the West Asia conflict, the former minister alleged the Centre has failed to pass on the benefit of lower international prices to consumers. "There is a video of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari saying ethanol blending would reduce fuel prices. Now, he says he never made such a statement. Several neighbouring countries have reduced petrol and diesel prices in recent days, but the Indian government has not brought down fuel prices," he said. The Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA also targeted a Maharashtra minister without naming him, alleging that instead of focusing on road construction, he was preoccupied with helping his son make money. "We oppose such favouritism and the promotion of dynastic interests," Thackeray maintained. PTI ND RSY