Anil Deshmukh Pushes for Presidential Approval of Shakti Bill

Former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh urged President Droupadi Murmu to approve the Shakti bill that prescribes death penalty for rapists. NCP (SP) leaders plan to protest the delay. Deshmukh criticized Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for ignoring governance. President Murmu is on a three-day visit to Maharashtra.

Former Home Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh on Monday called on President Droupadi Murmu to approve the long-pending Shakti bill, which recommends the death penalty for rapists.

NCP (SP) leaders and women workers plan to protest the delay in the bill's approval on Tuesday by wearing red ribbons at Mahatma Gandhi's statue near the state secretariat.

Coinciding with President Murmu's three-day visit to Maharashtra, the protest highlights the urgency felt by many about the bill. The President will also be attending the centenary celebrations of the state legislative council.

Deshmukh criticized Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alleging that his preoccupation with political maneuvers has led to a decline in governance and law and order, particularly crimes against women.

Deshmukh also commented on NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar's declining certain measures under the Z plus security provided by the Centre, suggesting it was politically motivated ahead of state assembly polls.

Deshmukh urged the state government to follow up rigorously for the bill's assent and mentioned that any issues the Centre has with the bill should be communicated for potential amendments.

(With inputs from agencies.)