”A card club inside the Assembly, a WWF arena outside — Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is squarely responsible,” says Congress state president
Mumbai: Maharashtra, once renowned for its dignified political culture, has been reduced to a farce under the BJP-led alliance government, alleged Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshavardhan Sapkal on Wednesday. Taking a sharp dig at the state administration, Sapkal said, “A card club is operating inside the Legislative Assembly, and a WWF-style arena has taken shape outside. This complete breakdown in decorum and governance is the responsibility of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.”
Highlighting a series of controversies, Sapkal accused the current government of disregarding democratic norms. “One minister is caught with bags full of cash at home, another is seen playing online rummy inside the Assembly, and a dance bar is running in the name of the Minister of state for Home’s own mother. Yet, Chief Minister Fadnavis remains silent and powerless. Ministers engaging in such misconduct should be immediately dismissed,” he said.
Sapkal also raised serious concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. “Women in Maharashtra are unsafe. Crimes against them are on the rise. Drugs smuggled from Gujarat are fuelling a booming narcotics trade, trapping youth in addiction. Notorious gangs like the ‘Aka’ and ‘Koyta Gang’ are operating with impunity. Illegal businesses are thriving, and the fear of the police has all but disappeared. The state is witnessing a dangerous surge in hooliganism, for which Devendra Fadnavis must be held accountable,” he charged.
Responding to a question on birthday wishes extended by NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to Chief Minister Fadnavis, Sapkal said it was a matter of political courtesy, not a signal of any political shift. “This is part of Maharashtra’s political ethos, where ideological rivals do not consider each other enemies. The fight is of ideas, and it is fought with civility and respect. There is no need to read more into this gesture,” he clarified.
