Pune: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has strongly criticized the vandalism at Swargate MSRTC Depot following a sexual assault incident, stating that no one has the right to destroy public property. Without naming Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Vasant More, Pawar remarked, "If an accused is not caught, frustration is understandable, but no one breaks their own house’s windows. Similarly, damaging public property is unacceptable."
He also warned that strict action would be taken against those responsible and hinted that in the future, compensation for damages would be recovered from the perpetrators.
Speaking to the media after an event in Aundh, Pawar responded to questions regarding More’s role in the vandalism. He stated that some individuals were acting as if the entire state’s responsibility rested on their shoulders.
"Legal action will be taken against everyone as per the law. After an incident occurs, there is a process that needs to be followed. Leaders, ruling parties, and the media should show restraint and allow the police to complete their investigation. Once the police report is out, the exact sequence of events will be clear. No one should act in haste," he advised.
When asked about Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s recent statement about making Pune district "Bhagwa" (saffron, a reference to Shiv Sena’s ideology), Pawar responded that every party has the right to expand its presence. "Every party has the right to grow. The three parties in Mahayuti—BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP—have agreed to work together in unity. Shinde’s statement was meant to motivate party workers. Wherever he goes, he will speak about his party’s expansion, just as other leaders do," Pawar said. However, he reiterated that the Mahayuti government’s primary goal is serving public interest.
