Maharashtra CM Fadnavis backs BJP MLA Suresh Dhas amid row over meeting with Dhananjay Munde
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended BJP MLA Suresh Dhas after his meeting with NCP leader and state minister Dhananjay Munde sparked controversy.
Fadnavis, speaking in Jalgaon, stated that politicising such meetings is unnecessary, emphasising the importance of communication in a democracy. He noted that Dhas has been vocal in the Massajog sarpanch murder case and remains committed to ensuring justice for Santosh Deshmukh.
"Political disagreements should not prevent dialogue. Dhananjay Munde is a minister, and an MLA meeting a minister should not be an issue. Dhas has made his stance clear on the case, and his focus remains on punishing the culprits," Fadnavis said.
Dhas has consistently criticised Munde over alleged links to Valmik Karad, an accused in an extortion case. The controversy escalated after reports of his visit to Munde’s residence surfaced.
Clarifying his position, Dhas stated that he met Munde to inquire about his health following eye surgery. He alleged that details of the meeting were leaked as part of a conspiracy against him and vowed to expose those responsible.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
