New Delhi, July 2 (Agency) The Congress on Sunday slammed the BJP after senior NCP leaders including Ajit Power joined Maharashtra Eknath Shinde ministry, and said it will intensity its efforts to free the state from the clutches of the ruling dispensation. “Clearly BJP’s ‘washing machine’ has resumed its operations. A number of new entrants into the BJP-led alliance in Maharashtra today had been facing serious corruption charges with ED, CBI and IT authorities after them. Now they have all got a clean chit”, said Congress general secretary in-charge Jairam Ramesh in a tweet, referring to the Maharashtra political developments.
He added, “The Congress will intensify its efforts to free Maharashtra from the clutches of the BJP.” Ajit’s rebellion has caused a vertical split in the NCP.Meanwhile, senior Congress leader KC Venugopal through a tweet informed that party’s national president Mallikarjun Kharge and former chief Rahul Gandhi spoke to NCP chief Sharad Pawar and extended support to him.Attacking the BJP, Venugopal said, “The BJP’s dirty tricks department is working on overdrive in Maharashtra. This is not a legitimately elected government, but an ED-facilitated power grab.” “The Maharashtra government is a product of corruption and sin. The people have very well identified the traitors, corrupt and compromised leaders of Maharashtra and each of them will be taught the lessons of their lifetime in the next elections,” he added. Venugopal further said, ” On June 29, PM Modi had spoken about corruption. It appears he switched on the washing machine and these leaders are now squeaky clean after this oath taking ceremony.”