Pansare murder: a setback for Fadnavis govt

More than three months after coming to power, the investigation into the attack on communist leader Govind Pansare seems to be the biggest challenge facing the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government.

More than three months after coming to power, the investigation into the attack on communist leader Govind Pansare seems to be the biggest challenge facing the Devendra Fadnavis-led state government.

Supporters-gather-at-CPI-leader-Govind-Pansare-s-funeral-in-Kolhapur-HT-photo

While CM Fadnavis admitted there were no credible leads yet, he said on Saturday it was a challenge for the system. He, however, refused to term it a system failure.

“Fadnavis will have to prove his government is different than the earlier one. He expects the case to be solved at the earliest. Failure to do so will help the Opposition target the government in the budget session,” said a BJP leader.

While in the Opposition, Fadnavis and other leaders in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were at the forefront in condemning the killing of Narendra Dabholkar.

Former deputy chief minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar asked Fadnavis who will take the responsibility of the attack. Manikrao Thakre, state chief of Congress, said, “The CM has said ideological differences should be fought ideologically. We want to know which ideology he believes in?”

Leftists and the Opposition have lambasted the state for their “insensitive approach”, as Pansare’s body first got delayed at the JJ Hospital and then at the airport because of lack of coordination between various government departments. “Either the guardian minister of the city or at least an officer of the rank of collector should have been there,” said Kapil Patil, MLC of Lok Bharti party.

Fadnavis was also cornered on the social media for holding meetings related to Kumbh Mela. Fadnavis later had to clarify, by tweeting, that he visited Breach Candy hospital on Friday night.