Those who don't say 'Bharat Mata Ki Ja' have no right to stay: Fadnavis

Amid the raging debate over nationalism, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that those unwilling to say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' have no right to stay in the country.

"There is still a dispute over saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and those opposing to say it, should not have any right to stay here. Those living here should say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai," Fadnavis said at a public meeting here last night.

He also criticised Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for "backing" those who chant anti-national slogans.

He said the opposition parties should voice their protest against BJP, but not oppose 'Bharat Mata...' slogan, while cautioning that people of the country will not tolerate it.

With regard to the ongoing debate over women's entry being prohibited in some places of worship, Fadnavis said as per Hindu culture "there is no discrimination in gender or caste, and hence it was not proper to deny entry to women in any temple."

Since the state government has already made a statement on the issue in Bombay High Court, he said in the coming times "women will not be prevented from entering temple".

Without naming any party or leader, the CM said some people were creating dispute over separate Vidarbha, Marathwada versus the remaining Maharashtra.

On protests over releasing Nashik dam water for Marathwada, Fadnavis said since people of the region in the state are thirsty, it is our duty to give them water.

Alluding to investigations against some former ministers from the previous state government, the CM said that his government's battle is against corruption and corrupt tendencies. The government will not spare those who looted the state's treasure, he further said.

Meanwhile, during the public meet on the bank of Godavari river in Panchavati locality here, Fadnavis lauded the role of state Water Resource Minister Girish Mahajan, who is also Nashik's Guardian Minister, for handling well last year's 'Kumbh mela' in the district.

For the Kumbh mela in Allahabad or Ujjain, thousands of acres of land is available to accommodate crore of pilgrims and sadhus, but in Nashik only 300 acres is available for the religious event, but Mahajan handled it, he said.

The state government had provided financial assistance of Rs 2,300 crore and done development of 105 kms of roads and other works for the Kumbh mela, he said.

Replying to allegations by opposition parties that projects of Nashik were being shifted elsewhere, the CM said that under 'Make in Maharashtra' initiative, the government has signed various pacts for the development of Nashik division, where investment of Rs 35,000 crore will be made, creating new employment opportunities for 1.5 lakh people.

During his nearly 45-minute speech, Fadnavis also spoke about various issues of the district, including to cover Nashik city under CCTV network, 150 services (revenue related) made online, and the city-based Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, over which there were allegations that it would be bifurcated.

He said the Maharashtra government has also followed up the issues of Nashik Thermal Power Station, which is closed since 2010, with the Centre.

BJP state unit chief Raosaheb Danve, Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse, district Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan were among others who addressed the meeting.