MUMBAI: Opposition leaders attacked the Mahayuti govt over the deterioration of the law-and-order situation in the city after the violent assault on actor Saif Ali Khan.
“I am not closely associated with movie personalities, but I feel bad that Mumbai’s law-and-order situation is deteriorating. There was a murder (NCP leader Baba Siddique’s) in the same area recently.
Saif Ali Khan Health Update
Such incidents are extremely concerning. The state govt, particularly the chief minister who is also the home minister, needs to address these issues more seriously,” said NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar.
In a post on X, NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad even alleged that it could be a pre-planned conspiracy and the role of religious fundamentalists behind the attack should be probed. “For the last several years, he was targeted for naming his son Taimur. This is why it is necessary to probe the role of religious fundamentalists. The method of the attack suggests that the aim was to kill according to initial reports,” Awhad said on X.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) also took on the govt. Party MP Priyanka Chaturvedi asked how safe ordinary citizens were when celebrities were not safe. “Bandra has the highest concentration of celebrities, who were supposed to have adequate security. If celebrities are not safe, then who in Mumbai is?” she asked.
“What a shame that Mumbai sees another high-profile attempt on life, the attack on Saif Ali Khan yet again raises questions on Mumbai police and the home minister,” added Chaturvedi.
Party leader Aaditya Thackeray said on X: “Over the past 3 years, hit and run cases, actors and politicians being threatened, and cases like those in Beed and Parbhani only show that the govt has been an absolute failure in curbing crime and maintaining law and order. Do we have anyone in the govt that cares about citizen safety at all?”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, “Saif Ali Khan was given Padma Shri by the govt of India, but even the recipient of Padma Shri is not safe in Mumbai.”
“Saif Ali Khan was happy after meeting PM Modi and he even asked about his son. Yesterday, Saif was attacked with a knife when Prime Minister Modi was in Mumbai. It is clear there is no law and order in Mumbai,” Raut said.
Mumbai Congress chief MP Varsha Gaikwad demanded a safety audit of Mumbai. “When they said ghar mein ghuskar maarenge, one didn’t imagine they meant that citizens will be attacked in their own homes and be unsafe! What surprises me is that the Godi media isn’t aggressively demanding answers from the Home Minister, who also happens to be the CM,” Gaikwad said in a post on X.
“I demand that a safety audit of Mumbai be conducted as soon as possible. The economic distress in the country has led to a rise in crimes. Interventions, be it in terms of counselling or in providing skilling and employment, be conducted to prevent youngsters from choosing a life of crime. And lastly, people in govt must stop patronising local goondas,” Gaikwad said in her post.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee took to X to post: “It’s very concerning to hear about the attack on noted actor Saif Ali Khan. I pray for his speedy recovery, trusting that the law will take its course and those responsible will be held accountable. My thoughts and prayers are with Sharmila Di, Kareena Kapoor, and the entire family during this difficult time.”
Arvind Kejriwal said, “Shocked to hear about the attack on Saif Ali Khan. Wishing him a speedy recovery and strength to his family during this difficult time.” (With inputs from agencies)
