Amit Shah Criticizes Maha Vikas Aghadi, Pledges Maratha Reservation Continuation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra of being an 'Aurangzeb fan club' and vowed to continue Maratha reservations if the BJP wins the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. Shah also criticized Congress for spreading misconceptions about reservation and failing to uplift the poor.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a vehement stance against the opposition alliance in Maharashtra, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), dubbing it an 'Aurangzeb fan club' and alleging that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray leads this so-called club. Shah made these remarks during the BJP conclave in Pune on Sunday, also targeting Congress for allegedly spreading 'misconceptions' about reservation and failing to uplift the poor.

This BJP conclave occurs ahead of the imminent Legislative Assembly elections in Maharashtra, which will likely take place later this year amidst the end of the current government's tenure in 2024, though dates are yet to be announced by the Election Commission. Shah emphasized that the MVA cannot ensure the security of India, contrasting his statements with an assertion that only BJP can safeguard the nation and the state of Maharashtra.

'Uddhav Thackeray dines with people associated with Kasab, supports PFI, and opposes renaming Aurangabad as Sambhaji Nagar,' Shah claimed. He also criticized Congress for allegedly propagating falsehoods about BJP's stance on reservation. 'Under Modi ji's leadership, reservation was extended, and Congress cannot contribute to the upliftment of the poor,' he reiterated.

Shah alleged that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar disrupts Maratha reservations whenever he gains power. Promising continuity, Shah said, 'When BJP governs Maharashtra, Marathas get reservations; when Sharad Pawar rules, it vanishes. The ten-year extension of reservation was achieved under Modi ji's regime. If you want Maratha reservation to continue, BJP must win.'

Discussing further, Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas via the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Reflecting on recent Lok Sabha election results, Shah highlighted BJP's third consecutive win and criticized Rahul Gandhi's allegedly arrogant demeanor despite electoral losses. 'For the first time in 60 years, a leader has taken the oath as PM for a third time. Narendra Modi's leadership has given us this historic win. It's time to secure an even greater mandate in the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections,' Shah concluded. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)