The murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar on Facebook Live has provoked fury within Maharashtra’s political establishment. Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister, expressed regret for the incident and urged against politicising it. Sanjay Raut, a Sena (UBT) MP, however, insisted that Fadnavis step down. The BJP-led government has come under fire from Congressman Vijay Wadettiwar for allegedly deteriorating law and order in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar called the murder “wrong and unfortunate,” promising a thorough investigation. Aaditya Thackeray accused the current government of failing to maintain law and order, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi suggested the central government’s involvement.
Ghosalkar was shot during a Facebook Live by Mauris Noronha, with whom he had personal issues. The Crime Branch of Mumbai police has launched an investigation into the murder, which comes after a recent incident involving a BJP MLA firing at an Eknath Shinde faction leader in Ulhasnagar. Ghosalkar’s funeral took place in Mumbai’s Borivali amidst heightened tensions.
