'Release Video Clips of My Alleged Remarks Against Pawar, Uddhav': Anil Deshmukh Challenges Fadnavis

Mumbai: Senior NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh on Thursday challenged Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to release the video clips allegedly showing him speaking against NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray. Addressing the media, Deshmukh said, "Fadnavis should make the video clips public because I know he possesses none."

Showing a pen drive, Deshmukh also claimed that it contains evidence related to the allegations he made against Fadnavis. He reiterated his claim that, three years ago, BJP leader Fadnavis pressured him to submit an affidavit with false allegations against Uddhav Thackeray, Ajit Pawar, Aaditya Thackeray, and Anil Parab.

On being asked about the pen drive in his hand, Deshmukh said it contains proof of his allegations against Fadnavis. He said, “If I am challenged, I will reveal the video evidence I have. I don't speak without proof.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Deshmukh alleged that an 'intermediary' of Fadnavis had asked him to provide affidavits against key figures in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to avoid getting entangled in legal issues himself. Fadnavis, however, denied the allegation.

Deshmukh resigned as home minister in April 2021 following accusations from then Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh, who alleged that Deshmukh had instructed the police to extort money from hotel and bar owners in the city.

In response to Deshmukh's allegations, Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, dismissed them as baseless.

"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 said.