Mumbai – The political temperature in Maharashtra has soared yet again, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut launching a blistering attack on Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In a fiery salvo, Raut alleged a “complete collapse of law and order” in the state, demanding Fadnavis’s resignation from his post as Home Minister over recent violent crimes.
“Goons Rule the Roost”: Raut’s Scathing Indictment
Addressing the media, the outspoken Rajya Sabha MP painted a grim picture of a state where he claims “goons and gangsters rule the roost” while the government remains a spectator. “Is this the Maharashtra we know? Or has it turned into a lawless state where criminals have no fear of the police or the law?” Raut questioned, directly holding Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis accountable for the deteriorating situation.
High-Profile Crimes Spark Political Firestorm
Raut’s scathing criticism comes on the heels of several shocking incidents that have shaken public confidence.
* Abhishek Ghosalkar’s Murder: The most horrifying case was the murder of Abhishek Ghosalkar, a former corporator and son of a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, who was shot dead in Dahisar during a Facebook Live session. The brazenness of the act, streamed live, raised serious questions about public safety.
* Ulhasnagar Police Station Firing: Raut also pointed to the firing incident inside a police station in Ulhasnagar, where a BJP MLA allegedly shot and injured a leader from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. “When a ruling party MLA opens fire inside a police station, what message does it send? It shows that the fear of the uniform is gone. The Home Minister has completely lost his grip,” Raut declared.
“Gunda Raj” Allegations and Electoral Strategy
The opposition has seized upon these incidents to build a narrative of “Gunda Raj” flourishing under the Mahayuti government. Raut alleged that political patronage is allowing criminals to operate with impunity. He argued that Fadnavis, burdened with the responsibilities of being Deputy CM, is unable to devote the necessary attention to the critical Home Ministry.
This attack is a calculated political move ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. By targeting Fadnavis, the administrative face of the government, the opposition aims to corner the ruling dispensation on the fundamental promise of safety and security, an issue that resonates deeply with voters.
Fadnavis Under Pressure as Political Battle Heats Up
While the BJP has consistently defended its record, terming the criticism as politically motivated, the series of violent events has undeniably put the government on the back foot. For Devendra Fadnavis, this is a direct challenge to his reputation as a capable administrator. Sanjay Raut‘s frontal assault has ensured that the state of law and order in Maharashtra will remain at the forefront of the political battleground, placing the Home Minister squarely under pressure to restore public confidence.
