Rare praise for Devendra Fadnavis: Uddhav Sena leader Sanjay Raut says ‘govt has done good job...’ – Here's why

In a rare show of bonhomie, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday heaped praise on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after 11 Naxalites surrendered before the police in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli.

Vimla Chandra Sidam alias Tarakka, who carried a bounty of ₹1 crore, was among the eight women and three men who surrendered in the state's remote and Maoist-affected areas.

Raut also stated that if a district like Gadchiroli is developed, then it is good for the whole state. “If it becomes the steel city of Maharashtra, nothing is better than that.”

An editorial in Shiv Sena's Saamana said that the state government had done a "commendable job" by getting the Naxalites operating in Gadchiroli district to surrender.

The Rajya Sabha MP also hit out at the previous guardian minister of Gadchiroli, alleging that he appointed his agents and collected money that increased Naxalism, reported ANI.

Later, addressing a press meet, Raut explained why the party praised Fadnavis.

— We have praised Devendra Fadnavis because the government has done a good job.

— Maharashtra is our state, and a place like Gadchiroli is affected by Naxalism. If the Naxalites surrendered and opted for the constitutional path – we welcome that.

— We have worked with Devendra Fadnavis, and that relationship continues, but we are in opposition and will continue raising issues.

— If Devendra Fadnavis is taking such initiatives (to develop Gadchiroli), it needs to be appreciated.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the Maharashtra government's efforts to ensure all-round development in the state's remote and Maoist-affected areas.

"I laud the Maharashtra Government's efforts to ensure all-round development in remote and Maoist-affected areas. This will certainly boost the 'Ease of Living' and pave the way for even more progress. A special congratulations to my sisters and brothers of Gadchiroli and the surrounding areas!" Modi said in a post on X.