Mumbai, June 21: Senior leader of the Samajwadi Party and MLA Ravidas Mehrotra launched a sharp critique against the central and BJP governments on various issues during a press conference on Saturday. He addressed the tragic incident at the ancient Hanuman temple in Parbhani, the issue of illegal immigration, the status of Shiv Sena (UBT), Special Intensive Review (SIR), NEET re-examination, International Yoga Day, and alleged financial irregularities related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Expressing sorrow over the temple roof collapse in Parbhani district, Mehrotra noted that six people lost their lives and 30 to 40 others were severely injured. He accused the temple management of requesting repairs for a long time, but the state government failed to take any concrete action. According to him, the lack of timely repairs led to the roof’s collapse, making the BJP-supported Maharashtra government fully responsible for this tragic incident. He called for a fair investigation into the matter.
On the issue of alleged illegal immigrants entering the country, Mehrotra questioned the functioning of the central government and the Ministry of Home Affairs. He stated that if illegal immigration is occurring, it signifies a serious lapse in national security. He emphasized that the responsibility for the country’s borders and internal security lies with the central government, making the Home Ministry accountable for any breaches. Mehrotra labeled this a significant failure of the security apparatus.
Discussing Maharashtra’s political landscape and the status of Shiv Sena (UBT), Mehrotra alleged that the BJP is using central agencies to weaken opposition parties. He claimed that the BJP government is pressuring opposition leaders and parties by instilling fear through agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Income Tax Department. He asserted that Shiv Sena’s hold among the public remains strong, and if elections are held in the future, the party could emerge robustly. He described this trend as dangerous for democracy.
Regarding the Special Intensive Review (SIR), Mehrotra raised concerns about the Election Commission’s operations. He claimed that after the implementation of SIR, a significant number of voters’ names have been removed from the electoral rolls. He mentioned complaints of millions of voters being struck off the list in Uttar Pradesh as well. Mehrotra stressed that it is the Election Commission’s duty to ensure that no eligible voter’s name is removed and that all citizens retain their right to vote. He emphasized that maintaining the names of all eligible citizens on the electoral rolls is crucial for strengthening democracy.
Mehrotra also expressed concerns about the preparations for the NEET re-examination. He cited the example of a student from Nagpur whose exam center was initially allocated in Abu Dhabi and later changed to Nagpur. He argued that if a student lacks the passport or financial resources to travel abroad, it reflects a serious flaw in the examination system. With incidents of paper leaks and exam cancellations already reported, he urged the government to ensure that this examination is conducted fairly, transparently, and without errors.
On the upcoming International Yoga Day on June 21, Mehrotra shared his thoughts, stating that India has a long-standing tradition of yoga, and people have been leading healthy lives through it for centuries. He noted that Samajwadi Party workers also practice yoga and cycling, which he considers a form of yoga for health. He criticized BJP leaders for using yoga merely as a publicity stunt and photo opportunity, asserting that yoga should be viewed in connection with people’s health rather than as a political program.
Addressing alleged irregularities related to donations and construction at the Ram Temple, Mehrotra made serious accusations. He called for transparency regarding the use of materials received as donations for temple construction. He raised questions about the gold, silver, and other precious items donated to the temple, insisting that a fair investigation is necessary. He also stressed the need for transparency in decisions related to temple construction and idol selection.
Mehrotra concluded by stating that the Ram Temple is a center of faith for millions of devotees, and therefore, all financial and administrative matters related to it should be investigated impartially to maintain the trust of the devotees.
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