Anil Deshmukh dares Devendra Fadnavis: ‘Make video public of my alleged remarks against Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray’

Former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP-SCP leader Anil Deshmukh spoke on July 25 regarding the evidence that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had against him, in which he was allegedly heard speaking about Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar.

Mumbai rains LIVE Updates

While addressing a press conference, Deshmukh said, "I have levelled allegations against Devendra Fadnavis that pressure was put on me to speak against Uddhav Thackeray, Aadtiya Thackeray, and Ajit Pawar. I have video recordings to prove it. If someone challenges me, then I will reveal everything."

He further added, “Yesterday Devendra Fadnavis said that he has some video clippings of me where I was speaking about Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. He should make those video clippings public.”

What did Devendra Fadnavis say about the video clips?

On Wednesday, Deshmukh accused Fadnavis of asking him to write four affidavits against Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, Ajit Pawar and Anil Parab. He also said that ED and CBI were sent after him because he decided not to make any false allegations. “I was pressurised but I clearly said that even if I have to go to jail for life, I will not make false allegations. I did not bow down and that is why ED and CBI were sent after me. I was asked to give a false affidavit that Aaditya Thackeray raped Disha Salian and threw her from the balcony.”

Denying these allegations, the deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said that he wouldn't spare anyone making personal allegations against him.

While speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “The FIR against Anil Deshmukh Was registered by CBI after clear orders by the Chief Justice of Bombay HC and at that time it was not even our government in the state. Anil Deshmukh has been making personal allegations against me for a long time now. Usually, I don't go behind anyone but if someone comes for me, in response I don't spare that individual.”

“I have several audio/videos provided by Anil Deshmukh's party-men in which he is heard saying a lot about Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar saheb. When the time comes, will release those,” he added.

Reactions by political leaders

While speaking to news agency ANI, Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar said, “I don't think anyone will believe such statements. These days a campaign is being run to defame Fadnavis sahib...”

On the other hand, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole told ANI, "What Anil Deshmukh is saying must be true. ED and CBI have never been used this way ever since Narendra Modi formed the government... Innocent people have been jailed. Those who favour them have been spared and ED cases against them have been taken back..."

(With inputs from ANI)