Aditya Thackeray Criticizes Government for Police-Filled Potholes Amid Mumbai Rains

In a social media outcry, Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray has lambasted the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, after a viral video showed policemen filling potholes in Mumbai and Mira Bhayander amidst heavy rains. Thackeray questioned why police personnel were tasked with this duty instead of the contracted firms associated with BJP and its coalition partners.

Expressing his dismay on Sunday, Thackeray took to social media to voice his concerns. He criticized the government for assigning the responsibility of filling potholes to the police, instead of the contracted companies allegedly favored by the ruling coalition. Thackeray pointedly asked whether anyone had ever seen these contractors or their owners personally filling potholes.

In a direct accusation, he blamed the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for the persisting issue of potholes, adding a scathing "Shame on you NHAI" in one of his posts. Thackeray raised doubts over the effectiveness of the road construction contracts awarded to these firms, indirectly suggesting that they may not be fulfilling their obligations adequately.

The revelation of policemen undertaking road maintenance work sparked widespread criticism from the public, who questioned the government's priorities and allocation of responsibilities during critical weather conditions.

The incident underscores growing discontent over the state of infrastructure maintenance in Mumbai, particularly during the monsoon season when roads are prone to deterioration. Aditya Thackeray's outspoken remarks have further fueled debates on the accountability of government-contracted projects and the management of public resources.

As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders await the government's response to these allegations and demand clarity on the measures being taken to address the city's infrastructural challenges, especially regarding road maintenance and the role of contracted firms in Mumbai's ongoing development initiatives.