Ex-Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh Alleges Pressure to Testify Against Thackeray Family

Anil Deshmukh, former Maharashtra Home Minister, claims Samit Kadam pressured him to make false allegations against Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray. Deshmukh alleges Kadam was acting on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and reveals recordings as proof. Fadnavis denies the allegations, calling them unsubstantiated.

Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has alleged that a man named Samit Kadam met with him three years ago and attempted to coerce him into giving a false statement against Uddhav Thackeray.

Deshmukh claims that Kadam, who is reportedly close to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, came with documents in a sealed envelope that he was urged to sign as an affidavit. According to Deshmukh, the affidavit contained fabricated allegations against Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray.

Despite threats, Deshmukh refused to comply. He further accused Kadam of attempting similar pressure tactics on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Kadam, however, denied these accusations, stating the former minister invited him for a meeting to seek help from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Devendra Fadnavis.

Deshmukh has asserted that he possesses video recordings substantiating his claims. He said, "If challenged, I will reveal everything." Devendra Fadnavis, on the other hand, categorically denied the accusations and criticized Deshmukh for making personal allegations.

Fadnavis emphasized that the CBI investigation against Deshmukh was initiated by clear orders from the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. He stated that while he typically does not retaliate, he will not spare those who make baseless personal accusations against him.

(With inputs from agencies.)