Mumbai, Sep 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Launching a scathing attack on the state government on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Monday sharply criticised the ruling Mahayuti government for Maharashtra's compounding socio-economic and political crisis.
The Thackeray camp, in an editorial in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana', painted a grim picture of a state "beset by inflation, systemic corruption, agricultural distress, and rising communal polarisation" -- arguing that the current rulers themselves have become the single biggest "vighna" (obstacle) confronting Maharashtra and the nation.
The editorial slammed the government for compounding public distress ahead of the festive season. Highlighting steep hikes in the prices of sugar, milk, CNG, domestic LPG, petrol, and diesel, the daily noted that while the common man's festive budget has been badly hit, devotees will still leave no stone unturned to welcome Lord Ganesha with devotion.
The editorial highlighted the recent physical assault on Pune activist Vidyanand Bapat, who had voiced strong opposition to high-decibel DJ systems during public celebrations. Rather than addressing noise pollution, the ruling establishment branded the activist as an "urban Naxal" and an "outsider", while the Chief Minister resorted to evasive stances instead of decisive action, it claimed.
Pointing to the severe impact of El Nino, the Thackeray camp warned of a worsening drought across Maharashtra. With Kharif crops wilting in scorched fields and deficient rainfall casting a shadow over the upcoming Rabi season, rural livelihoods are in severe jeopardy while farmer suicides continue unabated.
The editorial also criticised repeated examination paper leaks. Following scandals in NEET and TET, the leak of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) papers forced the cancellation of exams.
Dismissing the government's announced SIT probe and administrative reform claims as empty rhetoric, the editorial questioned who would answer for the shattered dreams of thousands of aspiring youths.
Tracing the roots of Lokmanya Tilak's public Ganesh festival, the editorial lamented that its founding socio-political vision is being eroded by corporate takeover and cheap political posturing.
The editorial further highlighted rising crimes against children, deteriorating roads claiming innocent lives daily, and the government's failure to enforce local Marathi language norms for non-native auto and taxi drivers.
Concluding with a stark warning, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena asserted that Maharashtra -- once a beacon of progressive ideas for the country -- has been rendered directionless and pushed into the shadows of religious extremism by "power-drunk and fanatical" rulers.
Calling upon the public to recognise the true root of their hardship, the editorial closed with a direct plea to Lord Ganesha to bestow wisdom upon the populace and save the state.
Source: IANS
About Gopi
Gopi Adusumilli is a Programmer. He is the editor of SocialNews.XYZ and President of AGK Fire Inc.
He enjoys designing websites, developing mobile applications and publishing news articles on current events from various authenticated news sources.
When it comes to writing he likes to write about current world politics and Indian Movies. His future plans include developing SocialNews.XYZ into a News website that has no bias or judgment towards any.
He can be reached at gopi@socialnews.xyz