Mumbai, May 7 The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Thursday criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for proposing to deny parole to perpetrators of sexual exploitation as a way to deal with the rising number of cases.
The Thackeray camp in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana' editorial, said the recent brutal assault and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in Nasarpur, Pune, has intensified the outcry over women's safety. In response, CM Fadnavis stated he has issued directives to cease granting parole to those convicted of sexual crimes. However, it argued that such statements often fade from memory once public attention shifts. Demands have surfaced for the government to release data showing how many crimes were actually committed by offenders out on parole, noting that many high-profile cases involved individuals who enjoyed "political patronage" without ever being on parole.
The editorial claimed that a primary point of contention remains the delayed implementation of the Shakti Act, a piece of legislation designed to provide enhanced security for women and stricter punishment for offenders. It further stated that prioritising this act is more critical than current discussions on women’s reservation.
The editorial has highlighted a perceived double standard between the state's rhetoric and the actions of the BJP-led Central government. "The Dera Sacha Sauda chief, convicted of raping two disciples and murder, has been granted parole 15 times. These releases often coincide with elections in Punjab and Haryana, where he allegedly campaigns for the BJP; Kuldeep Sengar, whose sentence was suspended and who received vocal support from some BJP MPs. Corrupt individuals or those accused of crimes "cleanse" their records by joining the BJP, subsequently receiving candidacies or ministerial posts,” it alleged.
The editorial said that while CM Fadnavis maintains that "in a democracy, action must be taken within the framework of the law", opponents are questioning which "legal framework" allows for the induction of controversial figures into the party fold.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena said that if the Maharashtra government is serious about its stance on parole, it must ensure the same standards are adopted by the Central government, ending the practice of utilising convicted individuals for political gain.
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