Fadnavis should resign, says NCP

Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has demanded the resignation of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis over the Supreme Court (SC) notice. The apex cou-rt has asked Mr Fadnavis to submit his say on the petition against him not mentioning two criminal offen-ces. The NCP has termed it as an attempt to hide the reality from people. Me-anwhile, the BJP has called the demand “childish”.

NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said that Mr Fadna-vis spoke about morality and transparency but “hid two cases involving him” which showed how transparent his governance was. “He has lost the moral right to remain chief minister. The SC will disqualify his election whenever it does. We demand that he step down from his post immediately,” said Mr Malik.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary for Maharashtra, Ash-ish Dua, too, took a swipe at BJP leaders alleging that they had taken cover under the umbrella of untruths and arrogance. “The leaders of the BJP lead by example... When Mr Fadnavis, other Union ministers and top leaders are hiding facts and taking shelter under the umbrella of opacity, untruth and arrogance. The people of the country are ready to oust such an empire of lies,” said Mr Dua in a tweet.

Meanwhile, BJP state spokesperson Keshav Upadhye dismissed the demand for Mr Fadnavis’ resignation. “The court has asked the CM to file a reply whether to admit the plea or not. The Bombay high court has rejected the petition. In such a clear case, asking for resignation shows the NCP’s frustration,” said Mr Upadhye.