MUMBAI | October 11, 2023: Supriya Sule, a prominent leader in the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has vehemently criticized Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the alarming surge in crime rates in Nagpur during his tenure as Home Minister. Speaking at a gathering organized by NCP Mahila Congress and attended by political heavyweights including Sharad Pawar, Jayant Patil, Anil Deshmukh, and Rohini Khadse, Sule pointed to disturbing crime statistics as the basis for her critique.
“Nagpur has unfortunately become synonymous with rising crime under Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership. It’s not just my opinion; it’s what the data unmistakably reveals,” Sule declared. Her words strike a chord as the city’s residents grapple with concerns about their safety.
The forthcoming elections, less than a year away, loom large on the political horizon. The meeting held today served as a pivotal juncture for decision-making. Remarkably, Chief Minister of Maharashtra’s visits to Delhi were previously anticipated for what was often dubbed “earthquake” announcements. However, the landscape has shifted. Now, these visits revolve around the appointment of a Guardian Minister, a situation that Sule deems less impactful for the people. In response, she took a dig at Eknath Shinde, the incumbent Guardian Minister.
The beleaguered Samruddhi Highway has experienced its share of troubles, which Sule pledged to scrutinize. Pune’s Metro project also drew her attention, emphasizing the significant expenditure of thousands of crores, which could have been channeled into improving the city’s public transportation system, such as buses. In a jibe, she pointed out the extravagant celebrations held in Nagpur Metro, likening it to the extravagance of Las Vegas.
Sule didn’t stop at infrastructure criticism; she delved into the concerning aspects of Nagpur’s current governance. She noted the reduction of schools and the proliferation of liquor shops under the current government’s watch. These issues, she asserted, deserve attention and resolution.
One particularly contentious matter Sule addressed was the proliferation of unauthorized banners. She expressed her disapproval of the trend and called for decisive measures to prevent such unsanctioned displays. Moreover, she remarked on the growing prominence of Yashwantrao Chavan’s image in the government’s narrative, eclipsing figures like Hedgewar. While recognizing this shift, Sule also stressed that there remains much ground to cover before it fully aligns with the vision she envisions.
Sule also shared insights into her recent five-day convention experience. She reflected on her visit to both old and new buildings during the first two days, highlighting the introduction of the women’s reservation bill on the third day. Notably, she criticized the extravagant cost of running the convention at five crore rupees per day, which accumulated to a total expenditure of twenty-five crore rupees.
Supriya Sule’s outspoken critique of Devendra Fadnavis and her comprehensive review of various aspects of governance in Nagpur and Maharashtra have certainly set the stage for spirited political discourse in the upcoming election season.
