Maharashtra BJP and NCP Clash Over Badlapur Incident

BJP and NCP exchanged accusations over the Badlapur sexual assault case involving two minor girls. BJP's Chitra Kishor Wagh accused the Maha Vikas Aghadi of politicizing the incident, while NCP's Sharad Pawar criticized the government's inaction. Protests continue until the accused are arrested.

The political climate in Maharashtra has become charged following a controversial incident in Badlapur, where two minor girls were allegedly sexually assaulted at a local school. Maharashtra Mahila Morcha BJP President Chitra Kishor Wagh criticized the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, accusing them of politicizing the sensitive issue. The BJP Mahila Morcha also organized a protest in Mumbai against the MVA's handling of the case.

'The incident that happened in Badlapur is a very sensitive matter. We can understand the mental condition of the victim's families. But, Maha Vikas Aghadi is doing politics over the issue,' Wagh stated. She emphasized that the BJP's protest aims to highlight the failures of the MVA during its tenure. In response, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, along with other MVA leaders, held a protest in Pune, where they displayed black bands in solidarity with the victims.

Sharad Pawar expressed his concern, stating, 'There is not a day in Maharashtra when there is no news of atrocities against women. The government should take this incident seriously. Calling it politics shows how insensitive the government is.' Supporting the statements, NCP MP Supriya Sule vowed not to halt protests until the perpetrators are arrested. She also condemned the failure of the school authorities to comply with mandatory reporting laws under the POCSO Act.

The incident has led to the arrest of a school attendant on August 17. The special investigation team (SIT) has registered an FIR against the school authorities for non-compliance with section 19 of the POCSO Act, which mandates immediate reporting of such incidents to the police.

(With inputs from agencies.)