Political Tensions Rise: Uddhav Thackeray’s Demand for Probe into PM CARES Fund Raises Eyebrows

06-07-2023 : Uddhav Thackeray, the president of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has called for a thorough investigation into the utilization of funds collected under the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund. This fund was established during the height of the coronavirus pandemic to provide relief and support to those affected by the crisis. Thackeray’s demand for a probe stems from concerns regarding the transparency and accountability surrounding the utilization of these funds.

Thackeray highlighted the need for transparency not only in the PM CARES Fund but also in the functioning of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which was under the rule of the undivided Shiv Sena for over two decades. He emphasized that if any instances of corruption have taken place within the BMC, they should be thoroughly investigated. However, Thackeray also called for a comprehensive inquiry into the work carried out by various states during the pandemic. This suggests that he believes it is important to assess the performance and utilization of resources by all governments, not just at the central level.

In his statement, Thackeray took a jibe at his former ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), by suggesting that the current ruling ideology in the country has strayed from the principles of India’s freedom struggle.