Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) Congress Legislative Party Leader Vijay Wadettiwar has vehemently criticized the MahaYuti government during last week's motion debate, highlighting the deterioration of law and order, increasing violence against women, the drug crisis, and the prevalence of superstition.

He expressed his indignation, claiming that the reputation of progressive Maharashtra has suffered greatly under this administration, asserting that democracy is being undermined in the state.

Wadettiwar accused the government of allowing charlatans like self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat to perpetrate heinous acts such as rape in a state once revered for its leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar.

He noted that Kharat had acquired land exactly where the Nashik Kumbh Mela Ring Road project was to be developed, implying a collusion with authorities. Wadettiwar has called for an investigation into officials from the IPS, IAS, and Revenue Departments, claiming that Kharat has amassed wealth by manipulating public trust.

“It has been 12 years since the Anti-Superstition Act was enacted, yet stringent measures for its enforcement remain unestablished,” he emphasized.

He recalled the efforts of Narendra Dabholkar in championing this legislation, arguing that had strict regulations been enforced, self-styled godmen would not have thrived.

Wadettiwar also questioned the effectiveness of the police, pointing out that while Kharat was apprehended, the perpetrator behind an acid attack on a sixth-grade girl is still at large.

He demanded severe penalties for a preacher implicated in the assault of a 17-year-old in Sangamner.

Wadettiwar accused the government of coercing law enforcement and providing political refuge to criminals. He stated, “When ministers claim they have been assaulted by police, it clearly indicates a gang conflict within the government. If police can confront a minister, who can the average citizen turn to for security?”

He suggested that ministers who value their integrity should resign.

He also pointed out the lack of accountability for officials involved in the Antarwali Sarati lathi-charge and those who allegedly attacked ministers.

According to Wadettiwar, incidents of violence against women have surged by 23 percent, with reported cases reaching 108,000 in 2025.

He questioned the silence of the Home Department regarding the egg donation (oocyte) racket targeting impoverished women in Thane and Palghar.

He noted that cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur are now engulfed in narcotics.

Wadettiwar indicated a worrying trend of hydroponic cannabis cultivation in residential spaces, luring educated youth into crime for quick financial gain.

The Congress leader asserted that the state is “overflowing with corruption,” pointing out the Rs 156 crore school uniform contract and a prevalent “35 percent commission” practice in infrastructure projects. He alleged that criminals receive “clean slates” once they ally with the BJP.

Wadettiwar concluded: “An MLA from the ruling party claims that 35 percent commission is paid to workers. Who facilitates this? Even their own MLAs are confessing to this commission-driven governance.”