MUMBAI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to visit Maharashtra’s Parbhani district on Monday, December 23, following violence earlier this month that led to the deaths of two individuals. Gandhi will meet the families of the victims, Somnath Suryavanshi and Vijay Wakode, who were reportedly killed during the unrest.
The violence in Parbhani erupted on December 10, after a glass-enclosed replica of the Constitution near Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue was vandalised. This incident sparked protests, with tensions rising in the Marathwada region. Suryavanshi, who allegedly died in police custody, and Wakode, who was reportedly injured during the protests, are the two victims whose families Rahul Gandhi plans to meet.
According to Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, Gandhi’s visit aims to express solidarity with the families. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has disputed the claims surrounding Suryavanshi’s death, stating that there is no evidence of torture. CCTV footage from the incident allegedly does not show any signs of brutality, and Fadnavis has announced a judicial inquiry into the violence.
Gandhi’s visit has been heavily criticized by the state’s ruling parties. BJP leader Chandrashekar Bawankule dismissed the visit as “drama,” stating that the focus should instead be on finding constructive solutions for society. He stressed that the BJP and the state government were committed to maintaining unity among all communities.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also expressed her disapproval, labeling the visit as “hypocrisy.” She questioned why Gandhi was addressing the violence in Parbhani while failing to show concern for similar scuffles in Parliament. Despite the criticism, both the BJP and Shiv Sena have expressed their support for the family of Somnath Suryavanshi, albeit without involving politics in the matter.
