Rahul Gandhi to visit Parbhani amid violence; BJP and Sena criticize as ‘drama’

On December 23, 2024, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is scheduled to visit Maharashtra’s Parbhani to meet the families of two individuals who died during the violence earlier this month. The violence in Parbhani was triggered after a glass-enclosed replica of the Constitution, located near Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue, was vandalized on December 10.

The families of Somnath Suryavanshi and Vijay Wakode are at the center of the visit. Suryavanshi allegedly died in police custody, while Wakode lost his life after participating in the protests following the incident. According to Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, Gandhi will meet these families to offer his condolences and support.

However, Gandhi's visit has been met with sharp criticism from the state’s ruling parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has labeled the visit as mere "drama." State BJP chief and revenue minister, Chandrashekar Bawankule, remarked that Gandhi should focus on constructive ways to benefit society instead of engaging in political theatrics. He emphasized that both the BJP and the state government are committed to ensuring unity among communities.

Shiv Sena also joined in criticizing the visit. Shaina NC, a prominent leader of the party, dismissed the visit as "hypocrisy," pointing out that Gandhi has rarely shown such concern for other issues, particularly the scuffles in Parliament. NC questioned Gandhi's choice to make a special flight to Parbhani while remaining inactive during crucial moments in the Parliament.

In response to the criticisms, Congress sources argue that Rahul Gandhi’s visit is aimed at showing solidarity with the families affected by the violence. They contend that the state government’s failure to address the situation adequately has prompted the leader to step in.

The controversy surrounding the visit has intensified as it comes on the heels of the announcement of a judicial inquiry into the Parbhani violence, which Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered. Fadnavis also stated that CCTV footage did not show any signs of police brutality against Suryavanshi, contradicting the claims made by some protestors.

The ongoing political tussle reflects the deepening divisions in Maharashtra, with parties trying to gain political mileage over the sensitive issue of caste-based violence and police action. As the situation remains tense, Rahul Gandhi’s visit is expected to fuel further debates on the handling of the unrest and the role of political leaders in addressing such matters.