Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal expressed strong condemnation over the murder of party leader Hidayat Patel in Akola. He highlighted this incident as a clear indicator of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Sapkal raised concerns about the rise of criminal activities involving gangs, drug mafias, sand mafias, land mafias, and local strongmen due to the absence of a full-time Home Minister in Maharashtra.
He demanded immediate arrests and severe punishment for all those responsible for the attack. Speaking at a press conference in Amravati, Sapkal criticized the ongoing municipal elections, stating that the ruling party was resorting to monetary influence to manipulate results. He expressed dismay over the compromised law and order, alleging that the Election Commission was under the control of the ruling party, leading to malpractices like bogus voting and extensive money distribution during elections.
Sapkal further pointed out the intensification of horse-trading tactics, with opposition candidates facing threats and coercion to withdraw from the electoral race. He accused the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers of engaging in hooliganism to ensure uncontested elections. Additionally, Sapkal criticized the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for allegedly using his influence to secure unopposed victories for three family members, undermining the democratic process.
Highlighting the erosion of democratic values, Sapkal likened the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AIMIM, stating that they are two sides of the same coin. He criticized BJP leader Ashok Chavan for advocating AIMIM candidatures, labeling AIMIM as the BJP’s “B-team.”
