BJP MLA Suresh Dhas, who stirred political waves with his secret meeting with NCP leader and Food and Supplies Minister Dhananjay Munde, received strong support from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The CM, in his statement, emphasised that it is not appropriate to politicise meetings between individuals. He argued that in a democracy, communication between individuals is essential. Fadnavis also implied that he did not want to suppress the ongoing issues involving Munde.
Speaking to the media in Jalgaon, Fadnavis stated, “If politics is made over who meets whom, it is not right in a democracy. Communication must continue in a democracy. Suresh Dhas has taken a firm stand on the Massajog sarpanch murder case, and his position is clear to everyone. There is no need to sever communication with anyone while taking such a strong stance. Dhananjay Munde is also a state minister. So, if an MLA meets a minister, it doesn’t matter. Suresh Dhas has also said that even if he met Munde, his primary goal remains to ensure that the murderers of Santosh Deshmukh are punished. But some people feel uncomfortable with Dhas’s initiative, and that’s why they are upset.”
Dhas has been relentlessly targeting Munde over the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. Dhas and other leaders raised their voices, leading to the arrest of the accused in the case. The investigation is ongoing through three different agencies.
Opposition parties accused Munde of having close ties with Valmik Karad, an accused in an extortion case. Dhas has repeatedly criticized Munde over these allegations. The political tension escalated after Dhas’s visit to Munde’s residence came to light.
Dhas downplayed the meeting, stating he visited Munde to check on his health after his eye surgery. He explained that the meeting, arranged by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, coincided with his visit to Munde’s residence. Dhas alleged that the meeting was leaked or aired on TV as part of a conspiracy against him, vowing to inform CM Devendra Fadnavis and expose those behind it at the right time.
