Maharashtra CM supports minister over links with Sanjay

Maharashtra CM supports minister over links with Sanjay
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 16:17 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Coming to the defence of Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Baba Siddique for his links with convicted Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh Tuesday said that the minister was a close family friend of the Dutts and had not done "anything wrong".

Siddique has been in the firing line of the opposition Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for repeatedly being seen in the company of Dutt, who has been sentenced to six years in jail for illegal possession of arms in the 1993 Mumbai serial bombings.

Asked about Siddique at a press conference in Aurangabad, the chief minister said: "He has been a friend of the Dutt family. He (Siddique) has already stated that they are family friends. Priya Dutt is out party MP and he has not done anything wrong."

The Sena and BJP, in separate press statements, have raised the issue of Siddique's proximity to the 48-year-old actor.

Leader of Opposition Ramdas Kadam pointed out that while deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil has ordered a departmental probe against policemen who were seen shaking hands with Dutt at the time of his release from Yeravada Jail on interim bail, the government was protecting Siddique.

"When the government has been prompt in taking action against the cops, what action is it contemplating against Siddique who is always seen beside Dutt?" asked BJP legislator Madhu Chavan.

"You must understand that police is a disciplined force. The norms applicable to them may differ from those applicable to civilians," Deshmukh said.

Siddique, however, maintains that Dutt is a family friend and there was nothing wrong in his act. "I have gone there (at Dutt's residence) as a friend, not as a minister," he said.

Deshmukh also denied that he had revoked the suspension of a police constable, who was seek hugging and shaking hands with Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt when he was released from Yeravada jail last week.

"I have not issued any orders (revoking the suspension)," Deshmukh told reporters in Aurangabad. He was responding to a specific query from media persons who asked him whether he had revoked the suspension of constable Rajendra Kalekar - against whom action was taken by his deputy and Home Minister R.R. Patil. Deshmukh said that he or Patil had nothing to do with it as Inspector General of Prisons (Satish Mathur) took the action under the jail manual and civil service.
Sanjay Dutt calls The Bhootnii a perfect horror-comedy blend and reveals what made him come on board for the film!

Renowned for his intense performances and larger-than-life screen presence, Sanjay Dutt is set to

Friday, April 04, 2025
Sara Ali Khan Embraces Spirituality at Karnataka's Chandramauleshwara Temple!

Actress Sara Ali Khan, known for her elegance and grounded nature, once again showcased her deep spiritual

Friday, April 04, 2025
Tanya Maniktala reveals what makes her latest series Loot Kaand a compelling watch on Amazon MX Player!

Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service, turned up the heat with its latest series, Loot Kaand, a

Friday, April 04, 2025
Shilpa Shetty emphasises perseverance as the key to success at Femina Circle's empowering debut in Pune!

Femina Circle, is an exclusive membership club designed for women to connect, foster meaningful

Friday, April 04, 2025
Badshah Gets Emotional Remembering Sidhu Moose Wala During 'Indian Idol 15' Finale!

The grand finale of ‘Indian Idol Season 15’ turned emotional as rapper and music sensation Badshah

Friday, April 04, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT