Shiv Sena (UBT) has, in a rare departure from its critical stance, hailed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for taking an initiative to make Gadchiroli district Maoist-free by fast-tracking developmental works.
The party mouthpiece, Saamana, in its editorial on Friday, hailed the CM's commitment to transform the Maoist-affected district following his visit and announcement of a comprehensive development agenda.
The editorial recognized Fadnavis' efforts and said, "While the rule of guns persists in places like Beed, where brutal killing like that of sarpanch Santosh Deahmukh has occurred, Gadchiroli is witnessing the dawn of constitutional governance. For this, Chief Minister Fadnavis deserves praise."
It further commented, "If the Chief Minister can redefine Gadchiroli as a 'Steel City' instead of a 'Maoist district,' his efforts should be welcomed.". This indeed is a commendable vision - instead of being the last district in Maharashtra, he wants Gadchiroli to be one of the leading districts. Though it should help the commoners and the poor tribals instead of serving the interests of the mining magnates alone if his dream of establishing a new era for Gadchiroli should become a reality.
Fadnavis began the new year by visiting Gadchiroli, inaugurating and laying the foundation for multiple developmental projects. Unlike other ministers embroiled in securing lucrative portfolios, the CM spent January 1 launching initiatives in the Maoist-affected district, which Saamana described as "a new era of development."
This editorial put so much importance to this move by pointing out that "If the Chief Minister's promises materialize, it will be a milestone not just for Gadchiroli but for all of Maharashtra. Maoism, which has long tarnished Indian society by recruiting young men into a parallel armed government under the guise of fighting exploitation, can be eradicated if the CM's plans succeed."
The editorial alleged that his visits to Gadchiroli had prioritized the profits of mining magnates over the welfare of tribals, taking a swipe at former Guardian Minister and current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Friday defended his party's extraordinary praise for Devendra Fadnavis after a media interaction, stating that the government's work in Gadchiroli does deserve praise. "If Maoists surrender and come onto the constitutional path, we will welcome it," he said. Raut also claimed that Shinde promoted corruption and did not follow the agenda for development while serving.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, hailed Fadnavis for his initiatives in Gadchiroli, saying, "I commend the Maharashtra government's efforts to develop remote, Maoist-affected areas. This will improve the ease of living and drive progress. Congratulations to my brothers and sisters in Gadchiroli."
Shiv Sena UBT's recognition of Fadnavis's efforts marks a notable shift in tone, underscoring the importance of the developmental push in one of Maharashtra's most challenging regions.
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