Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has come out strongly in support of minister of state Yogesh Kadam, who has been under political fire over alleged links to a dance bar in Kandivali and illegal sand mining in Dapoli constituency. Shinde condemned the allegations and assured Kadam of full backing from the party.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the renovated Minatai Thackeray Cultural Centre in Khed taluka, Shinde said, “Yogesh has no need to worry about these accusations. Shiv Sena and I are firmly with him. He is a dedicated worker, and making baseless allegations or demanding resignation is absolutely wrong.”
Shinde further added, “Those who themselves are looters are now calling others thieves. This won't work. Our focus is on development, and we will continue on that path. No matter what conspiracies are played, the Kadam family will always stand strong for the people.”
The event was organised as part of a special celebration for senior Shiv Sena leader and former minister Ramdas Kadam’s 73rd birthday.
Responding to the ongoing controversy, Kadam emotionally asserted, “I have never been involved in any wrongdoing, and I never will be. In my father's over 30 years of public life, there was not a single allegation of corruption. I am committed to that legacy.”
Former minister Ramdas Kadam also criticised the political narrative being created against his son, questioning the procedure of how allegations were accepted in the legislative assembly without a prior notice under Rule 35. “Was this part of a larger plot to malign the ministers in Shinde's cabinet?” he asked.
