Pune, July 24: Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare has sharply criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his statements regarding the TET scam. She asserted that the Chief Minister lacks accurate information and needs to correct his statements. Andhare claimed that the TET scam did not occur during the Thackeray government but rather in 2018-19, when Devendra Fadnavis was the Chief Minister and Vinod Tawde was the Education Minister.
In an interview with a news agency, Andhare stated that Fadnavis claimed the largest TET scam happened under Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, which contradicts the facts. The scam took place during 2018-19, and the Thackeray-led government attempted to investigate and expose the scam after coming to power. At that time, officials were given complete freedom for a fair investigation, revealing the involvement of several individuals from the examination department and related agencies.
Andhare alleged that the contract awarded to GA Software was given during Vinod Tawde’s tenure as Education Minister. Abhishek Sawrikar, who has been jailed in this case, later joined the BJP. Additionally, a senior IAS officer, Sushil Khodwekar, was given significant responsibilities in the government. Intensifying her attack on the Chief Minister, Andhare remarked that the confidence with which he makes these claims does not align with the facts. She accused the government of presenting misleading information to the public.
Regarding Sonam Wangchuk‘s decision to end his hunger strike, Sushma Andhare expressed that it was wise considering his age and health. However, she clarified that the movement is not over. Students across the country remain engaged in the movement, which will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Her party stands firmly with the protesting students, including Abhijit Deepke.
Andhare also criticized the state government and police administration over the issue of baton charges on protesting students. She alleged that many individuals in the crowd lacked police uniforms, nameplates, or proper identification, yet they attacked students with sticks. These individuals were not police officers, and the government used outsiders to take action against the students.
In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video message released late Thursday night, Andhare questioned why the government waited 24 days to convey this message if that was their intent. She raised concerns about whether the government is now worried about its political standing. Merely making statements will not resolve the issue, and her demand remains the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
In response to the BJP’s claim that those participating in the protests are not students but Congress workers, Sushma Andhare asked why the government and the Home Department cannot identify them. If the identities of the protesters remain unknown, it reflects the failure of the Home Department and Delhi Police. She also questioned the functioning of the central government and the Home Ministry on this matter.
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