Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis Saturday said that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray was frustrated because he had to shut shop due to demonetisation as the old currency was banned.
He said that the Sharad Pawar-led NCP will also be in the same situation, soon.
Addressing a rally for Sena candidate and sitting MP Hemant Godse, the chief minister fired barbs at his poll opponent Sameer Bhujbal and latter’s uncle Chhagan Bhujbal, both of the NCP.
The Sena and the BJP are contesting the elections in alliance.
In Nashik on the last day of campaigning for the fourth and final phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state, Mr Fadnavis made a scathing attack on Mr Thackeray.
“It seems like Mr Pawar had hired the railway engine but did not know that the engine did not run on oral barbs. It ideally should have reached Delhi by now but is still stuck in the gully, he said.
Mr Thackeray was sulking as demonetisation had forced him to shut his shop. The NCP would also face the same situation soon.
The railway engine is the MNS’ election symbol but the party isn’t contesting the Lok Sabha elections this time. However, Mr Thackeray had held a string of rallies in the state to highlight the BJP government’s failure.
Addressing a rally for Sena candidate and sitting Member of Parliament Hemant Godse, the chief minister also slammed senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and his nephew Sameer Bhujbal, who is contesting as NCP candidate from Nashik.
“Mr Chhagan and his nephew did not go to jail for their role in a freedom struggle or due to any agitation for the people of Nashik. The fact is that they were jailed in money laundering cases,” the chief minister said, while referring to charges against the uncle-nephew duo, who are out on bail.
Stating that the Bhujbal senior is making “mimicry” on stage during canvassing, Fadnavis said he has not seen a “natsamrat” like the NCP leader.
Voting will be held in Nashik along with 16 other constituencies on Monday.
