In a dramatic turn of events, former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has leveled serious accusations against BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, claiming that Fadnavis orchestrated a high-stakes conspiracy to tarnish the reputations of key figures in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Deshmukh’s explosive revelations have sparked intense political debate and scrutiny.
Deshmukh alleges that an “intermediary” sent by Fadnavis pressured him to produce false affidavits against several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, his son Aaditya Thackeray, Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, and Transport Minister Anil Parab. According to Deshmukh, Fadnavis’s emissary offered him a choice: fabricate accusations or face severe consequences from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Deshmukh recounted the encounter, stating, “A person was sent by (Devendra) Fadnavis (who was then in opposition) met me, carrying with him affidavits. I was asked to make written allegations against Uddhav Thackeray, (his son and then cabinet minister) Aaditya Thackeray, (then finance Minister) Ajit Pawar, and (then transport minister) Anil Parab.” He added, “I was told that if I did this, then neither ED nor CBI would come after me. 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.”
The controversy intensifies with Deshmukh’s further claim that he was coerced into making a false affidavit accusing Aaditya Thackeray of being involved in a horrific crime. Deshmukh alleges he was pressured to claim that Thackeray was responsible for the rape and murder of Disha Salian, the former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Deshmukh, who resigned as Home Minister in April 2021 following accusations from Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh about extortion activities, has found support from Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. Raut has suggested that Deshmukh’s imprisonment was part of a broader conspiracy to discredit top MVA leaders. “Before being sent to jail, Anil Deshmukh was pressurised to name Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Aaditya Thackeray in some case otherwise ED will be sent after you. Anil Deshmukh told me this in jail two years ago,” Raut asserted.
In response, Fadnavis has vehemently dismissed these allegations as baseless and inflammatory. “Anil Deshmukh should know that his own party leaders have provided me with multiple pieces of audio-visual evidence of his comments about then CM Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, or the controversial police officer Sachin Waze. If false accusations are levelled against me, I will have no choice but to make this evidence public,” Fadnavis declared.
BJP leader Ram Kadam has condemned Deshmukh’s claims as “objectionable,” suggesting that the timing of these accusations is strategically aimed at undermining Fadnavis’s reputation ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Kadam questioned the motives behind these serious allegations, which have undoubtedly intensified the political landscape in Maharashtra.