07 May,2026 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his proposal to deny parole to convicts involved in sexual offences, questioning whether the move reflects a genuine policy shift or merely political rhetoric amid public outrage over crimes against women, reported IANS.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction referred to the recent assault and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in Pune district, an incident that has intensified concerns about women's safety across Maharashtra.
The editorial noted that Fadnavis had announced directives to stop granting parole to those convicted of sexual crimes. However, it questioned whether such announcements would translate into lasting policy changes once public attention shifts away from the issue, reported IANS.
The editorial argued that the government should release data showing how many serious crimes were actually committed by individuals out on parole. It suggested that many high-profile offenders accused in major cases were not on parole at all, but instead benefited from alleged political patronage and protection, reported IANS.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) further claimed that simply focusing on parole restrictions would not address deeper systemic issues linked to crimes against women.
The editorial also raised the issue of the delayed implementation of the Shakti Act, which was introduced to provide stricter punishment for crimes against women and faster legal procedures.
According to the party, implementing the legislation should be treated as a higher priority than ongoing political debates surrounding women's reservation and electoral issues.
The Thackeray faction also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and the central government of maintaining double standards on the issue of parole and criminal convictions, reported IANS.
The editorial referred to controversial cases involving convicted individuals who allegedly received repeated parole or political support despite serious criminal convictions. It claimed that some accused persons receive political rehabilitation after aligning with the BJP, reported IANS.
While Fadnavis has stated that all actions must be taken within the framework of the law, the editorial questioned what legal standards apply when controversial figures are inducted into political parties or given influential positions, reported IANS.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) argued that if the Maharashtra government is serious about denying parole to offenders, then similar standards should also be enforced at the national level without political considerations.
The editorial reflects growing political confrontation over law and order, women's safety and the handling of criminal cases in Maharashtra. With public anger mounting over recent incidents, the debate over stricter laws, parole policies and political accountability is expected to intensify further in the coming days.
(With inputs from IANS)
