Badlapur Tragedy: NCP's Raj Thackeray Questions Law And Order In Maharashtra, Says 'Give Me Chance Once'

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray has voiced his concerns over the rising crimes against women in Maharashtra. He stated that these incidents are not limited to the current Mahayuthi government but also occurred during the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi regime. Thackeray emphasised that the fear of law is diminishing in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, Thackeray condemned the recent sexual assault of two kindergarten girls in Badlapur, Thane district. He highlighted that such atrocities are increasing, with cases ranging from rape to dowry harassment and molestation. "What happened in Badlapur is horrible and unfortunate," he said.

Law and Order Concerns

Thackeray pointed out that over 7,000 rape cases were reported to the police in Maharashtra in 2023 alone, with many more going unreported. He also mentioned large-scale incidents like the removal of uteruses of women sugarcane workers in Beed and Sangli. Despite these alarming numbers, he criticised the lack of strict laws to address these issues.

The MNS chief did not blame the police for the deteriorating law and order situation but held the government responsible. He argued that police officers are under immense pressure from ruling authorities, rendering them powerless in critical situations. "The police are not at fault; it's the government's pressure on them," he asserted.

Political Blame Game

Thackeray accused both current and previous governments of merely blaming each other without taking serious action against these crimes. "Both sides are only pointing fingers at each other while ignoring the real issue," he remarked. He expressed his frustration over this political blame game, stating it is unfortunate that no one is taking these incidents seriously.

In a bold statement, Thackeray asked for an opportunity to lead Maharashtra, promising to show how a government should be run. "Give me the reins of Maharashtra for once, and I will show you how a government is run," he declared. He assured that under his leadership, no one would dare to look at a woman with ill intent.

Caste Politics Criticism

Thackeray also criticised Sharad Pawar for introducing caste politics in Maharashtra. He claimed that after establishing NCP in 1999, Pawar spread caste-based politics across the state. "Caste politicisation was started by Sharad Pawar in Maharashtra," he said, adding that this poison is deeply rooted today.

This remark drew a sharp response from NCP leader Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter. She suggested that Thackeray mentioned her father's name to grab headlines. "Taking Sharad Pawar's name grabs headlines, and that might be why he did so," she commented.

Thackeray reiterated his seriousness about addressing these issues and urged for a chance to demonstrate effective governance. "You might think Raj Thackeray is just speaking for the sake of it, but that is not the case," he said with conviction.