Maharashtra govt should step down over Kolhapur riots: Nana Patole

NAGPUR: Slamming the BJP-Shiv Sena government for its “failure” to control the law and order situation in Maharashtra, MPCC president Nana Patole on Wednesday accused it of “orchestrating riots across the state in the name of caste and religion”.
Seeking immediate resignation of the entire government led by chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, he reminded them of the Supreme Court’s “impotent government remark for its failure to control communal riots”.

Reacting to the violence in Kolhapur, the MPCC chief said this unconstitutional government must accept the responsibility of all such incidents that started from Aurangabad and reached Kolhapur.
“They (Shinde-Fadnavis) assumed power after former governor (Bhagat Singh Koshyari) misused his position. Now, they are indulging in instigating people in the name of castes and religion to divert attention from real issues like rising unemployment, farmers’ suicides, poverty and inflation. No one is safe in their tenure, including dalits, tribals, Muslims and even Hindus.”
Patole claimed that Muslim community members were the first to object after which two youths who shared a controversial post on social media were arrested.
“However, few (right wing) organizations resorted to violent protests. Fadnavis keeps on saying they will not tolerate glorification of certain people, but it is happening repeatedly. All such unsavoury incidents are bringing disrepute to the state of Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. If they cannot manage the law-and-order situation, they should step down immediately. Only then the people would believe that you are working for them”
Pointing out towards the incident of rape at a government hostel in Mumbai, the Sakoli MLA said even the women were not safe in the BJP-Sena government. “Despite SC calling this ED government as impotent, it has failed to improve its working. Even on the industrial front, it failed to stop many mega projects from getting shifted to adjoining states. If they have any shame left, they should not stick to power. Else, the people of Maharashtra would teach them a befitting lesson and send them home in the next elections.”
Targeting forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Patole said BJP legislators were themselves claiming that he was instrumental in transfers which allegedly involved bribe. “This is nothing but looting by the government. The current situation in the state of Shivaji Maharaj is dangerous and, the government is doing nothing to control it,” he said.