CM Fadnavis on tour as stir cools down

Mumbai: As the Maratha reservation stir cooled down and the Pune police arrested a few accused that allegedly have links with Naxalites, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has started his statewide tour, which was halted for more than one and half month because of the monsoon.

CM Fadnavis was mostly in Mumbai since last one and half month and not went on tour across the state. Intelligence and Security personnel advised him not to attend public functions and rallies. Hence he cancelled his Pandharpur tour and Vitthal Pooja on Ashadhi Ekadashi day, which is tradition that CM of the state performs it. Maratha stir was going on in those days. Fadnavis received threats and intelligence got inputs that Naxal groups might take aggressive step during the rallies, told senior officers.

So CM Fadnavis was mostly in Mumbai and his security was beefed up. He attended few programs in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Nagpur only. Because of monsoon and bad weather, there was safety issue travelling by the helicopter, told CMO officers. As per advise of Intelligence, CM Fadnavis avoided tours. Now persons attached to Naxal groups were arrested by Pune police and Maratha reservation issue cooled down. No fear that, anyone can disturb his rallies and functions. So CM Fadnavis started his tours regularly since 4-5 days and accepting the invites of public functions, told officers from CMO. CMO has given the reason of monsoon for avoiding the functions during this period to the people who approached for inviting him, said sources.