Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 4: The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) has strongly criticised the Maharashtra government, alleging a breakdown of law and order in the state amid a series of reported crimes against women and minors.
In an editorial published in the party’s mouthpiece Saamana, the Shiv Sena (UBT) said that while the Central Government recently tested mobile emergency alert systems for disaster warnings, Maharashtra is witnessing a “silent alarm” over worsening women’s safety, which it claims is being ignored by the administration.
The editorial referred to the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Nasrapur in Pune district’s Bhor tehsil, which triggered public outrage. It said grieving locals placed the child’s body on the streets demanding immediate justice, and accused police of resorting to lathi-charge instead of addressing public anger.
It further cited similar incidents reported from Chakan, Sangli, and Nagpur, claiming they reflect a broader failure in maintaining public safety.
The Thackeray faction also targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, alleging that he has failed to address the “collapse” of women’s security in the state. It criticised him for issuing public apologies over traffic disruptions during infrastructure events, while remaining silent on crimes against minors.
The editorial accused the ruling leadership of focusing on political campaigning in other states while, according to it, law and order conditions in Maharashtra deteriorate. It also alleged a contradiction in the government’s stance, pointing to protests by the ruling party over crimes in other states while discouraging political discussion on similar incidents within Maharashtra.
It questioned the effectiveness of the government’s promise of strict punishment, including fast-track death penalty provisions, asking how many convicts have actually faced capital punishment so far.
The Thackeray camp also criticised the Ladki Bahin Yojana, arguing that monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to women does not justify, in its view, neglecting the safety of their families.
The editorial concluded by alleging a complete breakdown of the state’s protective systems and said the government owes an apology to the women and families of Maharashtra for failing to ensure their safety, framing the issue as one of governance and public trust rather than politics.