Kiren Rijiju, Uddhav Thackeray take swipe at each other at HC event

AURANGABAD: The inauguration of two new wings of the Bombay high court’s Aurangabad bench on Saturday saw an uneasy exchange of words between Union law minister Kiren Rijiju and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.
At the end of his formal address on the occasion, Rijiju said the foundation stone of two buildings was laid during the term of former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and termed its inauguration at the hands of Thackeray as an example of ‘teamwork’.
During his speech, Thackeray touched upon Rijiju’s comments. “Yes, I came here today only to raise the flag as a mark of inauguration. However, it is my commitment that the inauguration of the new complex of Bombay high court at the principal bench will take place soon and it will be accomplished during my term only,” he said.
Fadnavis, during his term, had laid the foundation stone of the annex building of Aurangabad bench of Bombay high court in July 2018. BJP and Shiv Sena had locked horns over taking credit for the Chipi airport in Sindhudurga district. Ahead of the formal inauguration of the airport on October 9, both camps had put up posters claiming credit.
Earlier, during his speech, Rijiju stressed on the need to reduce the gap between the justice delivery system and the public. “We are the largest democracy in the world and genuine efforts can ensure justice for all despite many challenges,” he said.
Thackeray pledged his efforts for speedy justice to all. “I commit to you all that my government stands firm behind the efforts of strengthening our judiciary,” he said.