Interview/ Sudhir Mungantiwar, BJP leader and former finance minister
A SEVEN-TIME MLA, Sudhir Mungantiwar was minister in the first BJP-Shiv Sena government from 1995 to 1999, and in the previous Maha Yuti government from 2019 to 2024. He spoke to THE WEEK on NCP leader Dhananjay Munde’s resignation and its possible impact on BJP-NCP ties.
Excerpts:
Q/ Do you think Munde’s resignation has dented the government’s image?
A/ If we start taking immediate action against the accused, even innocents can suffer. We have a process that involves gathering details through a probe before taking appropriate action. Now, the CM is also the home minister. If, while gathering the minutest details, it comes to notice that there is some truth in the allegations, then we collect evidence. But, if someone just makes allegations and you start taking action, then someone can make allegations tomorrow even against Devendra ji (Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis). Nobody will then remain in the cabinet.
There is a big difference in the politics of earlier years and the politics now. In the past, nobody made allegations without strong evidence. Now, however, people just make allegations. Those who make serious allegations don’t even know that you should first go to the police. If you feel that the police is unable to give you justice, then go to the judiciary. Now, people just make allegations in front of the media…. Rajkaran muddyavarun guddyavar aalay (politics has deteriorated, from issues to blows).
Q/ There is a feeling that the chief minister should have taken action against Munde much earlier.
A/ It is true that in some cases people expect immediate action, but you must understand that a thorough inquiry takes time.
Q/ But the photos of the Santosh Deshmukh murder that went viral….
A/ Munde is not there in those photos.
Q/ But the men who did it were allegedly his associates.
A/ The photos show extreme cruelty and brutality. But there is a big difference between Munde’s men doing it, and he doing it himself. Tomorrow, if one of my personal assistants takes a bribe, does it mean that I have taken a bribe? How am I responsible for what my PA has done without my knowledge?
Q/ Do you think that ties between the NCP and the BJP have become strained because of the Munde case?
A/ I don’t think so. If we see the evidence collected, I don’t think even [NCP leader] Ajit Pawar would have felt offended for demanding Munde’s resignation.
Q/ So, all is well between the Maha Yuti allies?
A/ How can I know? I am not part of the government; I am just an MLA. I am not part of the meetings between the three top leaders (Fadnavis, Pawar and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde). I have done MCom, MPhil and LLB, but I have no degree in understanding the body language, so how can I know about it?