“Mob rule does not suit Maharashtra, its ideology”: Congress’ Patole on encroachment at Vishalgad Fort

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 17 (ANI): Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Wednesday wrote letter to CM Eknath Shinde in connection with the encroachment at Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur and said this kind of mob rule does not suit Maharashtra and its ideology.

Nana Patole in his letter to CM Shinde said that the Vishalgad violence is unfortunate and alarming.

“The case of Vishalgad violence in Kolhapur is a dark one for Maharashtra. In the name of encroachment on Vishalgad, people of the same religion were attacked in Gajapur village and their houses, shops and properties were severely damaged, it’s a disturbing social harmony is being committed and that too only for political gain, it is a very unfortunate and alarming situation in the state,” he said.

“Maharashtra is the land of sadhus, saints, noble men, thinkers and social reformers. Maharashtra is known as a progressive state based on the ideas of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar. But for the past few days, some leaders of the ruling party have consciously trying to create a Hindu-Muslim rift in the state by making provocative statements for their political gain. This type of deliberately creating religious discord in the run-up to the assembly elections is extremely dangerous and tarnishes the image of Maharashtra,” the Congress leader said in the letter.

“There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the encroachments on the vast fort should be removed. The legacy of the forts of our god Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should be preserved. This case of encroachment has gone to the court, the government lawyer is not present during the court hearing, and the government party is wasting time, suddenly the issue of encroachment has been brought to the fore by making some such moves. In the name of encroachment on Vishalgad, on the 14th, the houses of the people of religion in Gajapur village, 4 kilometres away from Vishalgad, were attacked and beaten. This type is blackening to humanity. The encroachment on Vishalgarh and the riots in Gajapur village are both separate issues,” he added.

Patole condemned the statement made by state Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the incident and said that the violence in Vishalgad is a crime done with the support of the administration.

“The statement made by Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis in this matter is not related to establishing peace in the state or taking action against the rioters, but to scare a particular religion and gives a different colour to this matter, the statement of the Home Minister is in a way supporting the rioters, we also condemn this statement. The violence that took place on July 14 is not only a failure of the government and the administration but a crime with the support of the administration,” he said.

Deputy CM Fadnavis who also holds the home portfolio said that the anti-encroachment drive at Vishalgad Fort in Kolhapur district will continue while also ensuring the prevalence of peace in the region.

The Congress leader further said in his letter that the government should help the people who have suffered damage in Gajapur village and should conduct a thorough investigation in this regard.

“MP from Kolhapur Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje had given a call regarding the removal of encroachment on Vishalgad, Kolhapur. Despite the idea that thousands of youths would come to Vishalgad for that, the administration and the police did not take proper precautions. The government should immediately help the people who have suffered damage in Gajapur village and give confidence to the villagers who are in great fear,” Patole said.

“The government should conduct a thorough investigation in this regard and take action against the guilty officials. As the head of the state, it is our responsibility to put an end to such abuses in order to maintain social harmony and peace in the state. Anyone trying to spoil the atmosphere in the name of religion for political gain will never be tolerated. Keep politics aside and crush these evil tendencies for the benefit of Maharashtra”, the Congress state president added.

Vishalgad in Kolhapur holds significant historical importance as it served as a refuge for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, the Vishalgad fort has recently fallen victim to illegal encroachments.