Fri, 20 September 2024 03:02:43am
Shocking Turn of Events: Mumbai Police Close Case Against Shiv Sena MP Waikar, Opposition Cries Foul
![Shocking Turn of Events: Mumbai Police Close Case Against Shiv Sena MP Waikar, Opposition Cries Foul [Image Source: PTI]](images/1720261915.JPG)
Shocking Turn of Events: Mumbai Police Close Case Against Shiv Sena MP Waikar, Opposition Cries Foul [Image Source: PTI]
In a surprising twist, the Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a closure report in the case against Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar, sparking a political firestorm. The move comes months after Waikar switched allegiances from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, raising eyebrows and accusations of political maneuvering.
The case against Waikar, which revolved around alleged irregularities in the construction of a luxury hotel on a plot designated for a public garden, has been officially closed. The EOW cited "incomplete information and misunderstanding" as the reasons for filing a C-summary report, indicating that the FIR was based on a factual mistake. Waikar, along with his wife Manisha and four close associates, had faced charges of criminal breach of trust, cheating, and conspiracy.
Political Backlash
The closure has ignited a wave of criticism from opposition leaders. Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the ruling government of using investigative agencies to blackmail political opponents into switching sides. "This is yet another example of the BJP's 'washing machine' politics. Allegations are made, raids are conducted, and once the person joins the BJP or its allies, they get a clean chit," Sawant claimed.
Similarly, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut denounced the closure, suggesting that Waikar's decision to join the Shinde faction was driven by fear of the probe. "Waikar ran away after getting scared of the probe agencies. Now, he has got a clean chit. What else can you expect?" Raut remarked, highlighting a pattern of opposition leaders facing legal challenges only to have them dropped upon switching allegiances.
A Pattern of Allegations
This incident is not isolated. Critics point to previous cases where opposition leaders, upon joining the BJP or its allies, have seen investigations against them fizzle out. Notably, NCP leader Praful Patel had his attached properties released, and even Sanjay Raut faced arrest over what he claims were false charges intended to pressure him into switching sides.
Waikar's Rise and Controversy
Ravindra Waikar, once a close aide to Uddhav Thackeray, is now the MP for Mumbai North West. His political journey has been marked by his tenure as a four-time corporator, MLA, and Minister of State for Housing, Higher and Technical Education. The allegations against him stemmed from his time in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, involving a contract with the BMC for a sports facility that allegedly morphed into a luxury hotel project.
As the dust settles, the political implications of this closure report will continue to reverberate. For the opposition, it is a rallying point to accuse the ruling dispensation of manipulating legal processes for political gain. For Waikar and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, it is a vindication that clears the path for their political endeavors.
The controversy underscores the complex interplay between law, politics, and governance in Maharashtra, setting the stage for a contentious battle in the upcoming elections.
