Controversy Erupts Over Anti-Encroachment Drive at Maharashtra's Vishalgad Fort

The Maharashtra government faces criticism after violence mars an anti-encroachment drive at the historic Vishalgad Fort. Opposition leaders Ambadas Danve and Imtiaz Jaleel accuse the government of safeguarding illegal structures and failing to adopt adequate security measures. The incident raises questions about law and order in the state.

The Maharashtra government came under fire Monday as opposition leaders criticized its handling of an anti-encroachment drive at the historic Vishalgad Fort, which turned violent.

Ambadas Danve, leader of the opposition in the state legislative council, accused the government of protecting illegal structures rather than taking meaningful action to remove them. He claimed the government’s efforts were superficial and merely for show.

In a separate critique, AIMIM's Imtiaz Jaleel targeted Maratha royal Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati for leading a march to Vishalgad Fort. Jaleel also questioned the legality of the anti-encroachment operations, alleging homes were vandalized and vehicles burned by miscreants.

Adding to the controversy, Danve raised concerns about potential terror threats to world heritage sites in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, urging the state to enhance security measures promptly.