'Arms not showpieces': CM Eknath Shinde backs Badlapur encounter killing

PUNE: Chief minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday responded to the opposition questioning the killing of Badlapur sexual assault accused Akshay Shinde in a police action.

"Were the police supposed to treat their firearms like show pieces? Had police not reacted the way they did, the opposition would have still blamed the police," he said.

Shinde was in Pune to attend the virtual inauguration of Civil Court to Swargate Pune Metro line and the foundation ceremony of other projects by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol, deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were also present.

The events, to be held on Sept 26, were cancelled over a heavy rain alert. The opposition targeted govt over the delay and MVA members protested outside Civil Court station on Friday, demanding that the line be opened for the convenience of the citizens.

Shinde on Sunday said, "The opposition constantly changes its stance. After the Prime Minister's visit was cancelled, the opposition blamed govt for causing inconvenience to citizens. Had we gone ahead with the event despite the rain, they would have still blamed us. In the Badlapur incident (of killing of Akshay Shinde), its members kept changing their stance, but the people of Maharashtra will show them their place."

Fadnavis said those who could not install a single pillar of the Metro project protested in Pune after the programme was cancelled. "Our govt laid the foundation stone of Pune Metro and inaugurated it. Pune has realised its dream today, and citizens can look forward to ease of living with metro services," he added.

Guardian minister Ajit Pawar said that work on the other metro routes was going on full swing considering the city's growth. "I understand that citizens face inconvenience. But we are considering the future growth of the city. The central govt is providing assistance in completing these projects," he added.

Pune: Chief minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday responded to the opposition questioning the killing of Badlapur sexual assault accused Akshay Shinde in a police action.

"Were the police supposed to treat their firearms like show pieces? Had police not reacted the way they did, the opposition would have still blamed the police," he said.

Shinde was in Pune to attend the virtual inauguration of Civil Court to Swargate Pune Metro line and the foundation ceremony of other projects by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol, deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were also present.

The events, to be held on Sept 26, were cancelled over a heavy rain alert. The opposition targeted govt over the delay and MVA members protested outside Civil Court station on Friday, demanding that the line be opened for the convenience of the citizens.

Shinde on Sunday said, "The opposition constantly changes its stance. After the Prime Minister's visit was cancelled, the opposition blamed govt for causing inconvenience to citizens. Had we gone ahead with the event despite the rain, they would have still blamed us. In the Badlapur incident (of killing of Akshay Shinde), its members kept changing their stance, but the people of Maharashtra will show them their place."

Fadnavis said those who could not install a single pillar of the Metro project protested in Pune after the programme was cancelled. "Our govt laid the foundation stone of Pune Metro and inaugurated it. Pune has realised its dream today, and citizens can look forward to ease of living with metro services," he added.

Guardian minister Ajit Pawar said that work on the other metro routes was going on full swing considering the city's growth. "I understand that citizens face inconvenience. But we are considering the future growth of the city. The central govt is providing assistance in completing these projects," he added.