Mumbai, Dec 15 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) criticized the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra on Monday, accusing it of being too focused on self-congratulation and political self-interest while the state faces a troubling surge in cases of missing girls.

In a harsh editorial published in the party's mouthpiece, Saamana, the Thackeray faction claimed that the government is prioritizing the protection of “traitors” and catering to a select group of cronies, while the safety of the public—especially women and girls—has been neglected.

Referring to Chief Minister Fadnavis’ recent announcement about the creation of a grand Global Capability Centre in Powai, Mumbai, as a “celebratory gesture”, the Thackeray camp stated that it starkly contrasts with the serious crisis of rising missing girls, particularly in the city where the new center is proposed. This has raised questions about the government's true priorities and the effectiveness of welfare programs like the 'Ladki Bahin' Yojana.

The editorial asserted that the government shows no genuine concern for the safety of mothers, sisters, daughters, and daughters-in-law. “Beneficiaries receive Rs 1500 per month under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, and they are expected to remain silent. The government is absorbed in its own celebrations, but if the public remains indifferent, Maharashtra’s downfall is imminent; in fact, it has already begun,” it cautioned.

According to the editorial, the Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched right before the state Assembly elections to secure votes. It also drew parallels to cash transfers announced prior to the Bihar elections, alleging a trend of “vote-buying” through financial incentives.

“In Maharashtra, recipients of the Ladki Bahin scheme receive Rs 1500 each month, and the Chief Minister promises to increase it to Rs 2100 for political leverage. However, a government that buys votes with mere Rs 1500 has failed to ensure the safety of these 'Beloved Sisters' in the state,” the editorial contended.

“Women are exploited in ashram schools and hostels, and the incidents of girls disappearing from Mumbai and across Maharashtra are on the rise,” it noted.

The editorial emphasized a significant shortfall in maintaining law and order, especially regarding the safety of women and girls.

“Once regarded as one of the safest cities for women in India, life for girls and women in Mumbai has become increasingly perilous since the Shinde-Fadnavis government assumed office, with a surge in cases of violence and kidnappings. Mumbai Police reports indicate that 1187 cases of minor girls' kidnappings have been recorded in the past ten months. On average, five to six girls go missing from Mumbai each day, with around 136 cases reported in just the last month. The situation is reportedly similar in Pune and Nashik,” the editorial highlighted.

Additionally, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena pointed out that the issue is especially severe in North Maharashtra, where Nandurbar district has the highest rate of missing girls. It identified two primary causes: enticement and abduction, along with economic hardship that drives girls to disappear, many of whom are later found in neighboring states such as Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

“Girls are being either lured away or outright abducted. Many, due to dire poverty and hardship, are leaving the state in search of work. This situation is a disgrace for the government,” it concluded.