Pune: A controversy has erupted over a recent incident in Pune where an ambulance was reportedly stopped to make way for Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ convoy. The event has drawn severe criticism, with opposition leaders questioning the government's priorities.
The incident took place at Alka Chowk when CM Fadnavis was en route to Ganesh Kala Krida Manch for an event organized by the Cooperation Department. He had visited Pune to attend the Satyamev Jayate Shetkari Cup-2024 award ceremony, organized by Paani Foundation, at Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi.
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism on social media and among political opponents. Prashant Jagtap, city president of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), condemned the government in a tweet, calling the act “inhumane” and accusing the Mahayuti government of prioritizing power over public welfare.
"The Mahayuti government’s arrogance has reached its peak! To maintain the grand spectacle of their leaders, they have gone to the extent of stopping an ambulance. This happened in Pune’s Alka Chowk, and it is a shameful reflection of their priorities," Jagtap tweeted.
Accompanying his statement, he posted a video of the incident, which has since gained significant traction online. However, it was later noted that Jagtap had initially tweeted that the convoy belonged to CM Eknath Shinde, a claim he later deleted. He then reposted the video without naming any leader, but with CM Fadnavis’ presence in Pune at the time, it has been confirmed that the convoy was his.