Shyam Manav’s statement is mere publicity-seeking : Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister criticizes remarks made against former Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai!

When a self-proclaimed “rationalist” like Shyam Manav starts dictating what a dignitary like a former Chief Justice should or should not do, it exposes the hollowness of his democratic claims. Targeting only Hindu traditions in the name of Ambedkarite thought appears to have become the sole agenda of ‘Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti’. The Chief Minister rightly put Manav in his place!

Dhule – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly criticized Shyam Manav, stating that he has recently been making statements merely to gain publicity. This remark came in response to Manav’s criticism of former Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai. Rejecting the criticism, the Chief Minister exposed what he termed Manav’s hypocrisy.

Fadnavis further stated that it is not for Shyam Manav to decide whether Bhushan Gavai should invoke the name of B. R. Ambedkar. “Who is he to issue such certificates?” he questioned. He added that in recent times, Manav has lost relevance, and in an attempt to keep his “shop” running and remain in the spotlight, he has been making such statements regularly.

What is the issue?

A few days ago, former Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai visited Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham and sought his blessings. Criticizing this, Shyam Manav said at a press conference in Amravati that it was “shocking” for someone who identifies with Ambedkarite ideology to bow before Dhirendra Shastri. He even went on to claim that Gavai had lost the right to take the name of B. R. Ambedkar.

Following this statement, strong reactions and widespread anger were reported among people across Maharashtra.