On December 14, 2024, Maharashtra Police personnel on Station Road in Parbhani, Maharashtra. Bhimrao Ambedkar keeps vigil near the statue. Photo credit: Vijay Soneji
A day after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Parbhani on Monday (December 23, 2024) was announced, BJP and Shiv Sena leaders termed the Congress’ action as “drama” and “hypocrisy”.
Mr. Gandhi is scheduled to meet and offer condolences to the relatives of two people killed in the recent violence in the region.
Criticizing Mr. Gandhi, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said, “Rahul Gandhi traveling in a special plane to project that he is with Somnath Suryavanshi’s family is hypocritical. Why does he not show interest or support when he sees the clash outside the Parliament building? Rahul Gandhi’s hypocrisy is evident. We are with the family of Somnath Suryavanshi with all our support and unlike Rahul Gandhi, we are not playing politics in this. “
State BJP chief and Revenue Minister Chandrasekhar Bawankule used the word “drama” to describe Mr. Gandhi’s visit. Rahul Gandhi has been acting all his life. He has no respect for the constitution. Congress has a record of going against Balasaheb’s constitution many times. This is the politics of washing their eyes. Every time Balasaheb tried to fight for Parliament through elections, it was the Congress that made sure that was not possible. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already taken action on the matter; Action has been taken against the accused and the police officers. The only reason for Mr. Gandhi’s visit is to build a vote bank for himself even though Maharashtra rejected him in the recent elections. With such politics, the Congress cannot find its foothold in the state,” he told reporters.
Mr. Gandhi arrived at Nanded on Monday afternoon. He will meet Somanth’s family and then Vijay Dasharath will go to Wakode’s house. He will return to Delhi the same evening. His schedule was shared by Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar.
Mr. Gandhi will be accompanied by prominent Congress leaders Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, state president Nana Patole, senior leader and former minister Balasaheb Thorat, MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, MLA Amit Deshmukh, MP Ravindra Chavan, MP Kalyan Kale, Shivaji Kalge, prominent leaders of the state. Vice President (Organization and Administration) Nana Gawande, Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe, Parbhani District Congress Committee President Suresh Warapudkar, State President of Scheduled Caste Department Siddharth Hattiambire and others.
Violence erupted in Parbhani on December 10 over the alleged desecration of a replica of the Constitution near Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue. The violence saw a mob of 200-300 people vandalize property and government offices, causing damage worth Rs 1.89 crore. The police arrested 43 people and filed a case against 51 people on the charge of arson.
published – December 22, 2024 at 08:43 PM IST