Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addresses criticism over the “Missing Link” segment of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and responds with sharp remarks in the Assembly. After opposition leaders and social media users questioned alleged disruption to the expressway during heavy rainfall and a landslide, Fadnavis argues that spreading false claims is an insult to the state. He specifically disputes the assertion that “Rs 7,000 crore” has “gone down the drain,” saying the message is misleading and frames it as an insult to Maharashtra rather than to him personally.
In his defence, Fadnavis initially uses a phrase in Hindi that drew offence, then says he retracts it and replaces it with other terms. The reports describe him calling critics “bhatka gardabh” (wandering donkeys) and “suparibaaz” (contracted hatchet men), characterizing the criticism as rumours.
He also targets MNS chief Raj Thackeray, whom he calls a “mimicry artist,” and says Thackeray poses no political threat. Opposition leaders, including Aaditya Thackeray, accuse Fadnavis of threatening lawmakers who question the government’s handling of the issue.
