The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is facing increasing pressure due to its handling of two recent incidents. The first, the sexual abuse of schoolgirls in Badlapur, has drawn widespread criticism for the perceived lack of swift and decisive action by the authorities. The second incident, the collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in Sindhudurg district, has further fueled public discontent and raised questions about the government’s competence and commitment to public safety and historical preservation.
The Badlapur case has been particularly concerning due to the alleged dereliction of duty by local police. Public anger has been mounting, with many demanding a stronger response from the government. The absence of Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis from the site of the incident, despite initial plans to visit, has further fueled public frustration.
Congress legislature party leader Balasaheb Thorat criticized the government’s perceived lack of seriousness, claiming that Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis seems to have little control over the Home Department. He pointed out the delay in taking action against the erring police officials, highlighting that only a few junior officers were transferred, instead of more decisive measures being taken.
The collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue, which was hastily unveiled in December 2023, just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sindhudurg, has also raised serious concerns about the government’s oversight. Investigations have revealed that the statue and its base were not adequately constructed, resulting in its collapse just eight months after its installation. The haste in unveiling the statue, coinciding with the visit of BJP leader Narayan Rane, who was then a Union Minister and hails from Sindhudurg, has further fueled suspicions of political motivations overshadowing safety and quality standards.
A senior bureaucrat has expressed concerns about the lack of action in locating the sculptor Jaydeep Apte and contractor Chetan Patil, adding that the Mahayuti government might face severe consequences in the upcoming assembly elections. The incident has also exposed divisions within the Mahayuti alliance, with Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis urging against politicizing the collapse while Chief Minister Shinde and Ajit Pawar offered unconditional apologies to the people of Maharashtra.
The government’s response to both incidents has been criticized for its lack of urgency, transparency, and accountability. The public perception of the Mahayuti government’s competency and commitment to public welfare has been significantly impacted. The incidents have also highlighted the need for stricter regulations and oversight in matters concerning public safety and historical monuments. The upcoming assembly elections will likely see the Mahayuti government facing intensified scrutiny and pressure from the public to address these issues effectively.
