Cong forms panel to probe Nagpur riots

Nagpur: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Thursday constituted a fact-finding committee to assess the aftermath of Monday's communal violence in Nagpur, which witnessed widespread arson, stone-pelting, and civil unrest. The party denounced the riots, deeming them a blemish on Maharashtra's legacy of peace and social harmony.
Following directives from MPCC president Harshawardhan Sapkal, the committee shall visit affected areas and engage with residents. It comprises senior Congress leaders including former MPCC president Manikrao Thakre, former MP Hussain Dalwai, ex-ministers Nitin Raut and Yashomati Thakur, and MLA Sajid Pathan. Nagpur City Congress president MLA Vikas Thakre shall serve as the convener, whilst AICC secretary Praful Gudde Patil has been appointed coordinator.
MPCC vice-president (organisation and administration) Ganesh Patil, underscored the party's commitment to justice, affirming that the delegation shall document grievances and advocate preventive measures to avert such violence.
Meanwhile, Sapkal launched a vehement critique of the ruling BJP government, accusing it of prioritising corporate interests over public welfare. He particularly censured the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth corridor, asserting it is being implemented despite farmers' opposition.
"Jetties are being constructed to create a direct transport corridor from the coastline to Central India, essentially facilitating access for Adani and Ambani," Sapkal said. He contended that the project's underlying purpose is to enable coal and mineral extraction from Goa and Konkan for corporate entities, whilst marginalising local communities.
Challenging CM Devendra Fadnavis, Sapkal portrayed a dire state of Maharashtra's economic and law-and-order situation. "Farmers are encumbered by debt, unemployment has peaked, crimes against women are escalating, and organised gangs like the sand mafia, koyta gang, aaka gang, and khokya gang operate unimpeded," he said. He alleged ruling party-affiliated miscreants openly practise extortion whilst Maharashtra confronts severe revenue deficit and fiscal mismanagement.
Sapkal dismissed the purported "triple-engine government" (BJP at Centre, state, and local levels), asserting it exists merely to laud PM Narendra Modi rather than securing requisite financial aid for Maharashtra. With impending local body elections, Sapkal expressed optimism about Congress strengthening its position despite previous alliance limitations.