Start gundaraj-free campaign from the stage first: Team Omie Kalani to CM Fadnavis

ULHASNAGAR: Team Omie Kalani on Wednesday launched a sharp counterattack following Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ remarks on gundaraj during an election rally in Ulhasnagar, questioning the credibility of his message and calling for consistency in action.

At the rally, Fadnavis adopted a firm tone, warning against any return of criminal dominance in Ulhasnagar. Without naming anyone directly, he appeared to take a dig at Shiv Sena’s local alliance partner, Team Omie Kalani, which has a controversial past.

“No one should even think of bringing back gundaraj to Ulhasnagar. We will not allow it. Only the rule of law will prevail here,” the Chief Minister said, adding that he knows how to deal strictly with those who attempt to disturb law and order.

Speaking to the media after the rally, Team Omie Kalani spokesperson Kamlesh Nikam said the group supports the idea of a crime-free Ulhasnagar but expressed disappointment over what he called a contradiction between words and action.

“We fully support the Chief Minister’s campaign for a gundaraj-free city. However, it would have been more appropriate if this message had begun from his own stage,” Nikam said.

He alleged that several candidates with criminal backgrounds were present on the dais during the rally. At least one such candidate, he claimed, has a bail hearing pending in the Kalyan Sessions Court.

“If the Chief Minister was aware of this, he should have first instructed the police to remove such candidates from the stage and then spoken about ending gundaraj,” he added.

Taking a sarcastic dig, Nikam said speeches against criminal dominance lose their impact when individuals with questionable backgrounds are seen sharing the same platform.