Maharashtra – Opposition Targets Fadnavis Over Acid Attack on Minor Girl
Maharashtra – An intense political confrontation unfolded in Maharashtra on Wednesday after an acid attack on an 11-year-old schoolgirl in Ahilyanagar triggered sharp criticism from Opposition leaders, who questioned the state’s law and order situation.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Rising Crimes
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut strongly criticized Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, holding him accountable for the incident. Raut argued that such crimes reflect serious lapses in governance and said that the Home Department must take responsibility.
At the same time, Congress leader and Legislative Party head Vijay Wadettiwar brought the matter to the Assembly through an adjournment motion. He expressed concern over what he described as a steady increase in crimes against women and children across the state, stating that such incidents are becoming alarmingly frequent.
Questions Over Law and Order Situation
Wadettiwar highlighted the severity of the attack, which took place in Sangamner in Ahilyanagar district, and described it as deeply disturbing. He questioned whether fear of law enforcement still exists among criminals, pointing to what he termed a breakdown in public safety mechanisms.
He further noted that the young victim remains in critical condition and raised concerns over the accused still being at large. According to him, the ability of suspects to evade arrest in such serious cases indicates gaps in policing and enforcement.
Sharp Criticism From Sanjay Raut
Raut, known for his outspoken remarks, delivered a pointed critique of the state leadership. He suggested that official responses often downplay incidents and warned against presenting an overly optimistic picture of safety in Maharashtra.
In a strongly worded statement, Raut urged Fadnavis to reconsider his role as Home Minister if he is unable to dedicate adequate attention to the department. He alleged that political priorities were overshadowing governance and claimed that efforts were being diverted toward targeting Opposition leaders instead of addressing public safety.
Allegations Against Local Police Administration
Wadettiwar also criticized the functioning of the local police, alleging inefficiency and misconduct. He claimed that corruption within the police force weakens its ability to act decisively, ultimately emboldening criminals.
He referred to the record of senior police officials and argued that administrative shortcomings at the district level contribute to incidents of violence. According to him, when accountability within law enforcement is compromised, it directly impacts the safety of vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
Assembly Speaker Seeks Government Response
Taking note of the seriousness of the issue, Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar acknowledged the concerns raised during the session. He directed the state government to review the case promptly and present a detailed report before the House.
The Speaker emphasized the need for immediate attention to the matter, underlining that incidents of this nature require swift administrative action and transparency.
Funding Row Adds to Political Tensions
Amid the ongoing debate, Raut also raised a separate issue concerning the allocation of development funds. He alleged that elected representatives from Opposition parties are being denied financial support for constituency work.
According to Raut, there are instructions at the highest level to restrict funding to Opposition legislators, which he described as unfair and contrary to democratic principles. He stressed that public funds should be distributed equitably, as they belong to taxpayers and not to any particular political group.
Growing Political Pressure on State Government
The acid attack case has intensified scrutiny of the Maharashtra government’s handling of law and order. With Opposition leaders demanding accountability and a detailed explanation, the issue is expected to remain a key point of discussion in the Assembly in the coming days.
The government is yet to present its full response on the incident, while concerns over public safety and policing continue to dominate political discourse in the state.