In a high-profile case shaking Maharashtra’s political circles, former state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh is once again under scrutiny amid allegations of a massive Rs 100 crore extortion scheme involving Maharashtra police officers, most notably dismissed officer Sachin Waze. In a 2021 incident that shook Maharashtra’s political sphere, former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh claimed that Deshmukh directed officers to collect illicit funds from bar owners and establishments across the state. This led to a CBI investigation and Deshmukh’s eventual resignation and arrest on charges of money laundering and corruption. He was later released on bail, yet the case remains active in public and political discourse.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been vocal about his criticisms of Deshmukh, most recently reiterating his accusations with fresh evidence purportedly linking Deshmukh to the alleged extortion scheme. Fadnavis has also accused Deshmukh of trying to evade accountability, drawing battle lines between their parties—Fadnavis with the BJP and Deshmukh representing the NCP. BJP MLA Ram Kadam also criticised the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Specially the NCP- Sharad Pawar for misleading the people of Maharashtra and not having a face for Maharashtra Assembly election.
Mumbai: Reacting to Anil Deshmukh's book, BJP leader Ram Kadam says, "Sharad Pawar faction leader and former Home Minister of Maharashtra is now preparing for the upcoming assembly elections. The book he is bringing forward is a part of a well-thought-out political conspiracy. He… pic.twitter.com/FXzvy5rgbI
— IANS (@ians_india) October 24, 2024
In the current electoral landscape, Deshmukh is contesting for the Assembly seat from Nagpur’s Katol constituency. The constituency, historically aligned with NCP, will see a tightly contested race as the BJP mounts opposition to secure influence in Nagpur, considered a stronghold of Fadnavis and the BJP. Deshmukh’s prior election results in the constituency have shown strong support, yet the BJP’s intensified campaign could challenge this standing. The allegations and ongoing legal battles against Deshmukh have become a pivotal narrative, potentially impacting voter sentiment and influencing local seat dynamics in the upcoming election.
In recent developments, Deshmukh has made several appearances in court, strongly maintaining his innocence. His legal team argues that the allegations are politically motivated and that no direct evidence links him to the claims. However, officials within the ED have cited discrepancies in financial records that, they argue, warrant further investigation. Anil Deshmukh announced that he is going to publish a book named ‘Diary of Home Minister’ accounting his 14 months jail stay and false allegations against him
These unfolding events are emblematic of broader political power struggles in Maharashtra, where both parties are vying for control. The outcome of Deshmukh’s candidacy may signal the public’s reaction to corruption allegations and potentially reshape the political landscape in the state. As Deshmukh’s trial progresses, all eyes remain on Maharashtra’s legal and political machinery, which must decide the outcomes of these explosive claims.
(by Sumit Singh)
(Input from Agencies)
Also Read: NCP (SP) fields Jayant Patil in Islampur constituency
