A shooting incident involving a BJP MLA and a Shiv Sena leader in Thane district has ignited a political storm, leading to calls for Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's resignation.
The incident took place during a land dispute, raising concerns about law and order in the state.
The BJP MLA, Ganpat Gaikwad, opened fire on Mahesh Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena chief of Kalyan, inside a police station in Ulhasnagar on Friday night. The opposition, including the Congress and NCP, criticised the government, alleging a "breakdown" in law and order.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a high-level inquiry into the incident. "I have ordered a high-level probe into the firing incident," Fadnavis stated, emphasising the need to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Expressing concern, NCP president Sharad Pawar stated, "There is a limit to the misuse of power," while Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stressed that elected representatives should not take the law into their own hands.
Kalyan MLA Ganpat Gaikwad accused CM Shinde of attempting to establish a "kingdom of criminals” in Maharashtra, alleging corruption involving Shinde's son Shrikant Shinde, who represents the Kalyan parliamentary constituency.
The incident took place in the district represented by Shrikant Shinde, raising questions about the government's responsibility. Opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused CM Shinde of encouraging mob culture and stated, "There is a law and order breakdown."
Congress President Nana Patole demanded Shinde's immediate resignation, emphasising the seriousness of the allegations made by the BJP MLA. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut held CM Shinde responsible for the incident, criticising the government's formation through "mobocracy and gundagiri."
Supriya Sule, NCP working president, questioned if Deputy CM Fadnavis had given an "open licence" to BJP leaders to disregard law and order. She alleged a pattern of BJP leaders committing crimes and urged the Centre to dismiss the state government.
In response, Chhagan Bhujbal and NCP group leader Ajit Pawar countered Sule’s accusation, stating, "Did Fadnavis ask the MLA to open fire?"
BJP leader Clyde Crasto called for Fadnavis's resignation, claiming a breakdown in law and order under his leadership. He cited a BJP MLA's statement, suggesting an assurance of support from someone residing in "Sagar" bungalow, referring to Fadnavis's residence.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar emphasised the inappropriateness of elected representatives taking the law into their own hands and pledged to discuss the issue with Fadnavis.
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