In the backdrop of allegations of extortion faced by Western Zonal Director of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Sameer Wankhede, current Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik of the NCP and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP made serious allegations against each other.
While Malik tweeted a photograph of alleged drug peddler Jaydeep Rana with Fadnavis’ wife Amruta, and charged that Rana had links with the former Chief Minister, Fadnavis threatened that after Diwali, he would expose the alleged links between Malik and the underworld.
Malik, who also posted on his twitter handle another purported photograph of Rana standing with Fadnavis, responded to Fadnavis’ threat by saying: "Hai Taiyar Hum" ( I am ready).
The day began with Malik addressing a news conference, in which the NCP leader alleged that Fadnavis had links with alleged drug peddler Jaydeep Rana, who purportedly financed the video song rendered by the former chief minister’s wife Amruta with Sonu Nigam.
The picture was apparently taken during the recording of Amruta Fadnavis' river anthem project in 2018. Rana was allegedly the finance head of the project.
Talking to media persons here, Malik alleged: "One Jaydeep Rana currently in jail in connection with a drug trafficking case. He has links former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Rana was financial head of the famous river song sung by former CM's wife Amrita Fadnavis. Rana’s drug business in the state grew under his tenure".
Malik, who has been spear-hearing a campaign against NCB’s Wankhede, alleged: "Sameer Wankhede is the kingpin who is running a drug racket in Mumbai. He was appointed by then chief minister Devenddra Fadnavis".
Reiterating that Wankhede was a Muslim by birth and had produced a fake certificate to get a government job, Malik alleged that the mid-sea drug bust case was an attempt made by the BJP to move Bollywood out of Mumbai. “The drug bust of October 2 was "fake" and it was a BJP conspiracy to move Bollywood out of Mumbai. It was a conspiracy to defame Bollywood”.
Addressing a counter press conference, Fadnavis threatened to “expose” Malik’s alleged underworld links after Diwali. "Those who have connections with the underworld shouldn't speak. Let Diwali get over. I will expose Malik's links with the underworld.
Dubbing the allegation as a lavangi phataka ( a small firecracker), Fadnavis said: “Nawab Malik has just fired a lavangi phataka (firecracker). He has mischievously dragged me and my wife’s name with an individual to show alleged drug links. Malik’s allegations are absolutely baseless. Since Malik has started the game I will ensure it’s taken to its logical end. I will drop a bomb (about Malik) Diwali. I will submit the evidence of Malik’s alleged underworld link to NCP president Sharad Pawar”.
Alluding to Malik’s allegation linking his Amruta with Rana, Fadnavis said: “When I was the chief minister an organisation which was associated with river rejuvenation project approached me to record a song titled River March. They requested me and my wife to be part of the song. “Neither my wife or I have any connection with the individual in question (Jaideep Rana). He came along with the River team. Just by posting our pictures with Rana does not amount to drug links”
“During the recording of the song, several photographs of the team involved with the recording of the song were taken. But Malik deliberately chose one photograph to show my connection with drug peddler. It is devious,” Fadnavis said.
Referring to the arrest of Malik’s son-in-law in connection with a drug-related case, Fadnavis said: “His son in law (Sameer Khan) faced illicit drugs charges. He is part of Malik’s family. Does it mean Malik and entire NCP is a drug mafia? But I would not make such wild and baseless allegations”