Pawar seeks Central rule in Maharashtra

Initiating a special discussion on a motion expressing concern over the “atrocities committed on Dalits in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra,” Pawar said that law and order had “totally collapsed” in the state and it was high time Article 356 was invoked.

Pawar severely criticised the statement by Union Home Minister Indrajit Gupta in Parliament on the basis of assurances by Shiv-Sena chief Bal Thackeray, an “extra constitutional authority,” that incidents like Mumbai firing on Dalits would not be repeated.

Giving details of the July 11 firing incident at a Dalit colony in Ghatkopar in Mumbai following desecration of an Ambedkar statue, in which 10 persons were killed, the Congress leader said that police resorted to unprovoked firing at the colony. The force then attempted to give a different colour to the incident by bringing some oil tankers from the nearby Chembur refinery and said that the firing was aimed at preventing a major accident. Pawar said that this had triggered spontaneous reaction throughout the state and other parts of the country.

Citing various incidents of attacks on Dalits, newspapers and judiciary by elected members of ruling the Shiv Sena and other activists, Pawar alleged amidst interruptions that the ruling party had conspired to kill the Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra, Chagan Bhujbal.

The Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, was adjourned for the day today amidst uproar over the absence of the Home Minister during resumed discussion on the Mumbai firing issue.

The discussion ran into rough weather immediately after it was taken up at noon with members from various parties strongly objecting to the absence of the Home Minister and his Minister of State.

After a brief uproar, Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptullah adjourned the House till lunch.