Fadnavis: Culprits must pay for state bandh destruction

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday  said that the cost of the damage during the Maharashtra bandh  on January 3 over the Bhima-Koregaon violence would be borne by the culprits themselves.

The chief minister was replying to Congress MLC Sharad Ranpise, what with members of the Opposition having raised the issue of the Bhima-Koregaon violence on January 1 in the state council. Members of the Opposition demanded a discussion on the issue which the Council chairman did not allow. Reacting to this, the members of the Opposition rushed into the Well and the House was adjourned for the day.

In his written reply to the question, the CM said, “The investigation into Sambhaji Bhide’s role in the violence is underway.” Rubbishing allegations that less number of policemen were deployed for the event as compared to the last few years, he said, “In anticipation of huge crowds at the venue, four times the number of policemen plus the riot control unit and other necessary forces were deployed.”

Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition Dhananjay Munde demanded a special discussion on the issue. “Looking at the events of Bhima-Koregaon on January 1, we feel that this was well-planned and that the state government sponsored the riots. A few Hindutvavadi leaders instigated the crowds before the event. Given such a background, the state government should have taken greater precaution,” Mr Munde said. NCP MLC Jaydeo Gaikwad said, “This was the 200th anniversary of the battle. A larger crowd was expected on the ground. Unfortunately though, the state government failed to protect the people.”

Members of the opposition demanded an immediate discussion on the matter, leaving aside all other business of the house. However, the council chairman rejected their demand leading to sloganeering against the government. Mr Ranpise said, “The government wants to protect Mr Bhide and Milind Ekbote as they have the same ideology as the BJP. In such a case, expecting justice from the government would be wrong.” There was commotion in the house following fiery exchange between members of the government and those of the opposition. So much so that the council chairman was forced to adjourn the house for the day.