Mumbai

On Wednesday, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) sharply criticized Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for suggesting that the recent protests in Badlapur, over the alleged sexual abuse of two nursery girls, were politically motivated. Congress Leader Vijay Wadettiwar urged Shinde to review CCTV footage from the area, arguing that the public’s outrage should not be dismissed as a political stunt. Wadettiwar accused Shinde of shifting blame onto the Opposition rather than addressing the issue and taking action against those responsible. He called for Shinde’s resignation due to the state’s severe law and order issues.

In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare staged a sit-in at the Badlapur police station, demanding the arrest of Shiv Sena leader Waman Mhatre for offensive remarks about a female journalist. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat acknowledged the comments were inappropriate and called for an apology. Meanwhile, the NCP in Badlapur protested for Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s resignation and called for reinstating a policy for two Home Guards at each school.