Devendra Fadnavis interview: 'Not Adani, Pawar was at BJP-NCP meet and betrayed us'

MUMBAI: Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis feels the people of Maharashtra will give a decisive mandate to Mahayuti in the assembly elections, but he said he is not in the race for the CM's post.
The decision on the new CM would be taken by BJP's central parliamentary board in consultation with Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde and NCP's Ajit Pawar, he said. In an interview to Prafulla Marpakwar, Fadnavis spoke on the alleged BJP-NCP meeting in New Delhi in Nov 2019 for govt formation.
Excerpts:
Q: Ajit Pawar has said there was a meeting at a businessman's residence in New Delhi and Gautam Adani was present at that BJP-NCP meet.
A: The meeting did take place, but it was not at the residence of Adani, nor he was present. Besides me, the meeting was attended by home minister Amit Shah, Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel and Ajit Pawar. There was a marathon discussion on formation of govt, allocation of portfolios and appointment of guardian ministers. The responsibility to execute the plan was entrusted to me and Ajit Pawar. When the plan was in the process of implementation, Sharad Pawar quietly withdrew from the scene. In fact, it was a betrayal. We never expected Pawar would backtrack in such a manner. The action plan to take NCP with us was drafted to ensure a stable govt.
Q: Since there was delay in formation of govt then, was there a proposal to recommend President's rule?
A:It was decided Sharad Pawar will write a letter to the governor on imposition of President's rule. The letter was drafted in my office and sent for approval to Sharad Pawar, who was then at Lilavati Hospital to see an ailing Sanjay Raut. Pawar did make a few corrections and then the letter was sent.
Q: In the Lok Sabha elections, BJP's performance under your leadership was dismal. How's the situation now?
A:It's a fact our performance was not up to the mark, but despite that, the BJP leadership has expressed faith in my leadership. During LS polls, we experienced ‘vote jihad' on a large scale and lost even our traditional seats. We have learnt lessons, been able to reach out to all sections of society, and I'm sure people must have realized their mistake. The situation has improved, and we will sail through. Mahayuti will secure a clear majority.
Q: Will you be the CM face if Mahayuti gets a majority and BJP gets the most seats?
A:Compared to LS elections, Mahayuti's and particularly BJP's performance will be outstanding. But I am not the CM face for Mahayuti. I am not in the race. As per protocol in BJP, the decision on the new CM will be taken by the BJP parliamentary board. I'm not power-hungry. When Shinde joined us with a record number of legislators, the BJP leadership made him CM. I had then decided not to join govt, but it was felt if I joined, only then would I be able to oversee performance and administration. For Maharashtra, BJP will consult Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
Q: How is the political situation in Vidarbha?
A:In the LS polls, our base was weakened, but we have gained ground. Our performance will be impressive.
Q: The Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam has surfaced again…
A:The scam was probed at the highest level. High-ranking officials have been convicted, but as far as charges against Ajit Pawar are concerned, the water resources department has concluded he was not involved in any irregularity. The department's report has been submitted to court, where the case is pending.
Q: What about reservation for Marathas and Manoj Jarange's agitation?
A:I'm told he has called off his agitation, it was his personal choice. So long as he does not comment on me, I too will not comment. Congress is making a noise on reservation for Marathas, but there is no mention of it in its manifesto.
Q: The level of campaigning has touched a new low, and use of derogatory language has become routine.
A:Indeed, it's a matter of concern and unfortunate. It was all started by UBT Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut and later followed by leaders of most parties. It is high time we stop it.
Q: Is there a possibility of a patch-up with Uddhav Thackeray?
A:It appears to be impossible.
Q: On Mahim, where Raj Thackeray's son Amit is contesting…
A: Initially there was scope for supporting him, but now it's not possible as even CM Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena candidate (Sada Sarvankar) have made their views clear.