Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Mahayuti government, accusing it of pushing Maharashtra into a serious crisis marked by worsening law and order and a rising drug menace. He said citizens would not forgive the government for what he described as administrative failure, reported PTI.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Sapkal squarely blamed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the current situation, alleging that the government has failed to effectively tackle crime and ensure public safety.
Law and Order Situation Under Scrutiny
Sapkal claimed that the law and order situation in Maharashtra has deteriorated significantly under the present administration. He criticised the handling of internal security and said the government has not taken sufficient steps to control criminal activities across the state, reported PTI.
He also questioned the concentration of responsibility with the chief minister, who currently heads the home department, and demanded the appointment of a dedicated, full-time home minister to improve governance and accountability.
Drug Menace Spreading Across Regions
Highlighting the growing drug problem, Sapkal said the issue is no longer limited to major cities such as Mumbai and Pune but has expanded to smaller towns and rural areas, reported PTI.
He alleged the existence of a drug supply route extending from Gujarat’s Kandla port into Maharashtra, claiming that organised networks are fuelling illegal trade. According to him, political protection is allowing such activities to continue unchecked.
Youth at Risk Amid Rising Addiction
The Congress leader warned that the increasing spread of narcotics is pushing young people towards addiction. He said the situation is becoming more serious and could have long-term social consequences if not addressed urgently, reported PTI.
Sapkal also raised concerns over alleged links between public representatives and individuals involved in drug-related cases, stating that such connections weaken enforcement efforts and send a negative message.
Recent Incident Raises Serious Concerns
Referring to the recent deaths of two MBA students in Mumbai’s Goregaon area due to suspected drug overdose after attending a concert, Sapkal said the incident exposes serious lapses in policing. He pointed out that the incident occurred close to a police station, raising questions about law enforcement effectiveness.
He held the chief minister accountable, stating that the law and order machinery has weakened under his leadership.
Concerns Over Sensitive Cases
Sapkal also criticised the government over the handling of the Ashok Kharat case, along with alleged incidents of sexual exploitation reported from Nashik and Amravati. He demanded strict and transparent action in these matters, reported PTI.
He specifically called for the FIR in a Nashik case involving alleged misconduct at a corporate office to be made public, stressing the need for accountability.
Demand for Full-Time Home Minister
Reiterating his demand, Sapkal said the absence of a full-time home minister has worsened the law and order situation in Maharashtra. He urged the government to appoint a capable and dedicated individual to handle the home department and restore public confidence, reported PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
