Mumbai: A new book by Maharashtra’s former Home Minister and NCP leader, Anil Deshmukh, has created a stir in the state. The autobiography, “Diary of a Home Minister – A Minister Who Thwarted a Government Conspiracy”, recently released, has increased difficulties for BJP’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, as it contains multiple serious allegations against him and reveals some of his alleged conspiracies.
Several chapters in the book focus on the period of Deshmukh’s arrest on corruption charges during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. In the book, Deshmukh claims that when he was imprisoned, he was pressured to give statements that would implicate key political leaders. He further alleges that he was offered a deal: if he accepted certain conditions, the CBI and ED actions against him would cease. Deshmukh mentions receiving a four-point proposal, which included signing an affidavit targeting Ajit Pawar and his son Parth, framing them in a case related to financial misconduct. The book suggests that the intention behind these pressures was to fabricate cases against opposition leaders.
The autobiography covers various significant events, including the explosive-laden Scorpio car found outside Mukesh Ambani’s house, Antilia, and the serious allegations made against Deshmukh by then-Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh. It also discusses the Mansukh Hiren murder case and accusations made against him by Enforcement Directorate. Deshmukh provides detailed accounts of the Chandewal Commission proceedings and other controversial matters, maintaining throughout the book that he was falsely implicated under a larger conspiracy. The book also touches upon the death of Disha Salian, where Deshmukh claims that Uddhav Thackeray’s son Aaditya was deliberately targeted in the investigation. The former Home Minister further reveals that Fadnavis had allegedly sent intermediaries to coerce him into compliance with their demands.
