Headline: Uddhav Thackeray Questions Government Action on Seized Properties of NCP Leader Praful Patel in Iqbal Mirchi Case
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray raised concerns on Monday about whether the government would take action regarding the seized properties of NCP leader Praful Patel, allegedly linked to gangster Iqbal Mirchi. Patel, a former confidant of NCP founder Sharad Pawar, is part of the NCP camp led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Thackeray’s remarks followed Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s open letter to Ajit Pawar expressing reservations about including former minister Nawab Malik in the ruling ‘Maha Yuti’ alliance. Malik, an NCP leader facing money laundering charges, is currently out on bail for medical reasons.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan, Thackeray questioned, “My question is whether the government will take action on the seized properties of Praful Patel in connection with underworld don Iqbal Mirchi.” Patel had been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in the past for his alleged involvement in money laundering related to Mirchi’s illegal assets, associated with fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
In a subtle reference to Fadnavis’s letter, Thackeray expressed surprise at “two colleagues who sat next to each other had to communicate through a letter.”
Addressing the controversy around Nawab Malik sitting on a treasury bench seat during the ongoing winter session, Thackeray responded to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s remarks about his late attendance, stating, “CM Shinde is not serious about the issues of farmers, which reflects in his work. I have seen a chief minister driving a tractor in the sea for the first time,” referring to Shinde’s recent tractor drive during a beach cleanliness campaign.
When questioned about issues related to Vidarbha not being raised in the legislature, Thackeray directed reporters to Fadnavis, stating, “We are ready to discuss all issues and always willing to support what is in the best interest of the people of Vidarbha and Maharashtra.” It’s worth noting that Shiv Sena has consistently opposed the creation of a separate Vidarbha state by dividing Maharashtra.
