Nagpur: Following an alleged stone pelting incident in Katol that left former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP (SCP) leader Anil Deshmukh injured, Nagpur District Congress Committee President Vikas Thakre raised pressing concerns about public safety. Thakre questioned, “If such a thing can happen to a former Home Minister, how safe is the common man?”
Addressing the media, Thakre criticized the state of law and order in Maharashtra, urging the Election Commission to investigate the incident. “Anil Babu is reportedly undergoing treatment and isn’t speaking to anyone due to anaesthesia. But this raises serious concerns– this is Maharashtra; where are we heading? Are the voters here safe? The Election Commission must take note,” Thakre demanded.
The incident occurred on the Katol-Jalalkheda Road on Monday, the final day of campaigning for the November 20 Assembly elections. Deshmukh’s car was reportedly attacked with stones, resulting in injuries. He was initially treated at a local hospital before being referred to Alexis Hospital in Nagpur for further care.
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Salil Deshmukh, Anil Deshmukh’s son and NCP candidate for the Katol constituency, accused the BJP of orchestrating the attack, claiming it reflected the party’s fear of electoral defeat. Speaking to a news agency, Salil said, “It’s evident the BJP doesn’t want Katol and Nagpur to remain safe. They believe that with Amit Shah as Union Home Minister and Devendra Fadnavis as Deputy Chief Minister, they can act without accountability.”
Salil further explained that he rushed to the Katol Police Station following the incident, where his father’s injuries received initial treatment before being transferred to Nagpur. He added that those accompanying his father filed an official complaint about the attack and appealed to supporters gathered at the scene to maintain peace.
“Thousands gathered after the incident, and I urged them to stay calm. My father is receiving proper treatment, but I haven’t spoken to him yet as I don’t think it’s the right time,” Salil said.
As campaigning for the Maharashtra Assembly elections concluded, the incident has sparked political uproar. Elections will be held on November 20 across 288 constituencies, with the results to be declared on November 23.
The attack has raised questions about electoral violence and public safety, amplifying political tensions in the Katol constituency, where Salil Deshmukh is contesting against BJP’s Charansingh Thakur. The Election Commission’s response to these allegations remains to be seen.
