The Nationalist Congress Chief (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday defended Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and rejected the demand for his resignation.
The BJP has been demanding Deshmukh’s resignation after former Mumbai Police Chief Param Bir Singh in a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray alleged that Deshmukh used to call police officers to his official residence and give them “collection targets” from bars, restaurants, and other establishments.
Interestingly, the development comes a day after Pawar said that allegations against Deshmukh are serious and require an in-depth probe, indicating that the CM will take a decision in this matter soon.
Today, addressing media, Pawar said that the question of resignation doesn’t arise and added, “Deshmukh was admitted to hospital for treatment of COVID-19 from February 5 to 15, and he was in-home quarantine from February 15 to 27.”
“It is clear that during the period about which the allegations were made, Anil Deshmukh was hospitalised. As this is clear, such demands hold no power,” he added.
He also termed the charges levelled by Singh as baseless.
Pawar added that the main issue is different, “It is about the SUV car outside Ambani’s house and who was involved.”
Meanwhile, Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis countered Pawar’s remark and quote tweeting Deshmukh’s February 15 video, he said, “Along with security guards and media, Anil Deshmukh was seen taking press conference.”
Reacting to Deshmukh’s remark, Deshmukh said that a few journalists were waiting for him at the hospital gate after he got discharged on 15th February. “I was feeling low and weak so I sat on the chair there and responded to their questions. Then I went straight to my car and went home. I was in home quarantine from February 15th to 27th. I stepped out of my house for the first time on February 28th:”
In the eight-page letter to the CM on Saturday, Singh alleged that Deshmukh used to call police officers to his official residence and give them a “collection target” from bars, restaurants, and other establishments.
Surjitt Sahani
