Sena (UBT) attacks Shah, Fadnavis over law and order, citing Amitabh Bachchan's glass screen

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Wednesday targeted the Central and Maharashtra governments over law and order. The party cited actor Amitabh Bachchan, who met his fans from behind a bulletproof glass enclosure.

In an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the faction led by Uddhav Thackeray directly targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. It alleged that the administration had failed to protect prominent personalities, businessmen and ordinary people.

The editorial referred to Bachchan's weekly meeting with fans outside his Juhu residence, Jalsa. On Sunday, November 1, Bachchan greeted fans there from behind a protective glass enclosure. The arrangement came at a time when there have been reports of threats to the actor, and after the recent firing incident linked to Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff.

The editorial asked why Bachchan, whom it described as a national treasure and who has no political enemies, has to take cover behind security to meet his fans. It said the episode reflects the worsening security situation in Maharashtra and raises questions about the administration's ability to protect citizens.

The party also mentioned the firing linked to Tiger Shroff's vehicle in Mumbai. It also raised the threats received by bullion traders in Nagpur. At least eight bullion traders in Nagpur's Sarafa Bazaar are reported to have received threatening letters in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, each demanding Rs 10 lakh. Police suspect local criminals may be using the gang's name to intimidate the traders. The threats are being investigated.

The editorial asked why film personalities, businessmen and ordinary citizens are living under threats and fear. It also criticised the authorities for failing to dismantle the criminal networks operating in the state.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) questioned in particular how Lawrence Bishnoi's network continues to operate. Bishnoi is lodged in Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat. The editorial criticised the Centre's restriction under which he cannot be handed over to the custody of police from other states. The Union Home Ministry has reinstated the order, meaning Bishnoi cannot be taken out of the jail, though investigators can seek permission to question him inside the prison. The party alleged that these restrictions have given the jailed gangster what it called an "invisible security shield".

The editorial also targeted the ruling side's political rallies and its claims of handling national security well. It said the government's credibility has been questioned by its failure to protect prominent personalities and businessmen. The editorial asked: "The ruling leadership holds huge rallies under heavy police protection, while ordinary citizens, builders and film stars live in fear all the time. How many citizens can the state give a special security cover?"

The party also demanded Amit Shah's resignation, alleging that the Centre has failed to deal with growing security concerns. The editorial's final question was how the government, on one hand, claims political dominance while on the other, as the party puts it, it fails to guarantee the physical safety of prominent personalities and businessmen across Maharashtra.