BJP trying to replace Mahatma Gandhi's ideology: NCP

Row erupts after CM Devendra Fadnavis skips visit to 'August Kranti Maidan' to attend a function in Nagpur

A controversy erupted today with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis failing to visit the historic 'August Kranti Maidan' here on the occasion of the 'Kranti Din' and instead attending a similar function at Nagpur, with the NCP accusing the BJP of trying to replace Mahatma Gandhi's ideology with its own.

"Chief Ministers, irrespective of their political affiliations, have been visiting the August Kranti Maidan here to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the freedom movement started by Mahatma Gandhi. This time, the CM did not pay the visit," NCP Mumbai Unit President Sachin Ahir said.

Ahir termed CM's absence as "unfortunate" and accused the government of trying to replace Mahatma Gandhi's ideology with its own.

"It is unfortunate. This only means they want to leave Gandhiji's thoughts behind and bring their own ideology forward. Even Vajpayeeji had visited the Maidan on the 50th year," he said.

Fadnavis, who was in Nagpur to unveil a martyrs' memorial, hit back at the opposition saying they are trading 'baseless' charges against him.

"I am in Nagpur today and busy inaugurating a new 'Shaheed Smarak' to commemorate the Kranti Divas. Opposition's claims are untrue and devoid of facts. They have no other constructive work to do, and hence, are indulging in baseless allegations," Fadnavis told PTI.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam demanded that both the Centre and the state government should come forward and build a world class museum at the August Kranti Maidan, depicting the journey of the Indian freedom movement.

"Gowalia Tank ground is a historic ground where 73 years back Quit India Movement began. There is no museum in India that depicts a comprehensive journey of our 90 years struggle. Thus, we should set up a world class museum here. Congress will soon start a campaign in this regard," he said.

He also alleged that Communists, RSS, and the Hindu Mahasabha had opposed the Quit India movement then.