Shiv Sena needles BJP, says Congress home minister was tougher

Continuing its barrage of attacks on the BJP-led state government, its ally Shiv Sena has launched a veiled attack on the home department, which is headed by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, over the death of policeman Vilas Shinde. The current situation makes one remember the late Congress leader Balasheb Desai, who was considered a tough home minister, it said.

“The job of police is much more than just keeping political rivals and one’s own people under surveillance,” said an editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana.

Shinde lost his life after being assaulted while on duty by two youths at Khar. The incident sent shockwaves across the city, raising questions over its law and order situation.

In an attempt to needle its alliance partner over the issue, the Sena said, “After seeing all this, one remembers late Balasaheb Desai’s work as home minister.”

Desai, who was from Congress, is considered as one of strongest home ministers to have served Maharashtra. He took steps to make the home and police department strong and reliable.

Desai handled many critical situations during his term as home minister, especially during the Saymukta Maharashtra Movement in Mumbai.

“The dent to the image of khaki uniform won’t stop merely by according deceased policemen the status of martyrs. The morale of the force is down and political interference has increased,” the Sena said.