CM Fadnavis Responds Firmly To Opposition On Parbhani And Beed Incidents, EVM Protest

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday, addressed the issues raised by the opposition in the state Assembly, asserting that any insult to the Constitution would not be tolerated. He specifically responded to concerns regarding the desecration of the Constitution in Parbhani, which had triggered a political storm.

CM Fadnavis made it clear that the desecration of the Constitution in Parbhani was carried out by a mentally ill individual. He emphasized that the administration had already taken swift action against the person responsible. “The insult to the Constitution will not tolerated. The person who insulted the Constitution was mentally ill. I appeal to the opposition to come up with good suggestions so that such incidents do not happen, without resorting to politics,” said Fadnavis.

Also Read: Gas Leak At Jaipur Coaching Centre Hospitalises 10 Students

This statement came in response to a question raised by Congress legislator Nana Patole, who had raised the matter after the introduction of newly inducted ministers in the cabinet. The opposition had demanded a firm response from the government regarding the desecration incident.

Beed Sarpanch Murder Under Scrutiny

The opposition also raised concerns about the murder of a Sarpanch in Beed district, demanding immediate and stern action against those involved. CM Fadnavis assured the Assembly that the government was taking the Beed incident very seriously. “The incidents in Beed and Parbhani are very serious. The government has taken the murder of a young sarpanch in Beed seriously. The police inspector has been sent on compulsory leave, and the in-charge PSI has been suspended. The police have arrested three people in Beed. Although some of the accused are absconding, authorities will find and arrest them, he stated.

Opposition Demands Further Action

Earlier, Congress legislator Nana Patole had called for a detailed discussion on both the Parbhani and Beed incidents, requesting that the Assembly address the matters thoroughly. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar confirm that the discussion would take place at an appropriate time, but not on the first day, as the condolence resolution would address.

In the Legislative Council, Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve also demanded the immediate arrest of the three absconding accused in the Beed murder case and called for a thorough investigation. He urged the government to take stern action to ensure justice.

EVM Protest Escalates

The opposition also used the first day of the winter session to stage a protest against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections. Led by Ambadas Danve, the protest saw participation from former leader of the opposition in the state Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar and other legislators from Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP(SP).

The protesters raised slogans such as “EVM Sarkar Hi Hi” and “EVM Hatao Lokshahi Bachao,” criticizing the current use of EVMs. Danve also condemned the administration for not allowing the villagers from Markadwadi to conduct mock polling, aimed at protesting alleged EVM tampering and misuse during the Assembly election. Wadettiwar further called for a shift back to ballot polling, urging the government to abandon EVMs.

Government’s Stance on EVMs

Despite the protests, CM Fadnavis defended the use of EVMs, asserting their reliability and transparency in elections. However, the opposition’s demands for a switch to ballot voting reflect growing concerns over the use of electronic voting methods in the state.

As the week-long winter session continues, the political discourse in the Assembly remains charged, with the opposition demanding answers on issues related to both governance and electoral practices.