Nana Patole, the Maharashtra Congress Chief, has sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government for passing supplementary demands worth Rs 94,000 crore in the state assembly without discussions, alleging it as an assault on democracy.
The criticism came after the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led government tabled a budget exceeding Rs 6 lakh crore, alongside the supplementary demands, amidst opposition uproar and slogans in the assembly. Patole accused the government of prioritizing debt waivers for industrialists over essential welfare schemes for women.
“The government is murdering democracy in the House by passing Rs 94,000 crore in supplementary demands without debate. They prioritize debt waivers for industrialists over our sisters’ welfare,” Nana Patole stated during a media address in Mumbai.
Patole further accused the government of arbitrary actions and pledged to raise these concerns in the assembly.
Regarding the Mumbai hit-and-run case involving accused Mihir Shah, son of Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Shah, Patole alleged that the state government is siding with the accused rather than supporting the victim.
“The government is not standing with the victim but is trying to save the accused. They received a call from Delhi to protect Mihir Shah,” Patole claimed.
Mihir Shah was apprehended on Tuesday after being on the run since the incident on July 7, which resulted in the tragic death of 45-year-old Kaveri Nakhwa. Mumbai police formed multiple teams to apprehend him, and he has been remanded to police custody until July 16 by a Mumbai court.
In response to the incident, Rajesh Shah was removed from his position as Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena, following directives from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The developments have sparked political controversy in Maharashtra, with Patole’s allegations adding to the ongoing scrutiny of the state government’s handling of legislative processes and criminal cases.