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Rediff.com  » News » Maha government withdraws political cases until 2005

Maha government withdraws political cases until 2005

By N Ganesh
May 24, 2010 22:40 IST
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In a move that could spark controversy, the Maharashtra government on Monday decided to withdraw all 'political cases' until May 2005.

Dharnas or morchas, led by any political party or leader, and clashes between party workers fall under political cases.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting between state Home Minister R R Patil and other senior home department officials like principal secretary (home) P K Jain.

The meeting decided to withdraw all cases till May 1, 2005 if there was no damage to public property and life. The rationale behind the move, government officials claimed, is to "relieve the policemen of unnecessary paper work".

The rationale behind the move, sources indicate, is to relieve the policemen of unnecessary paper work.

However, sources say the real beneficiary would be cadres of the Nationalist Congress Party. "When the Congress and NCP split in 1999, many NCP cadres were involved in demonstrations and agitations. This move will directly benefit them," said a top official, refusing to be quoted.

If NCP is the biggest gainer, Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Congress leader Narayan Rane are the biggest losers –because of the specified date May 1, 2005.

For instance, when Rane quit the Shiv Sena in June 2005, his supporters had engaged in a number of clashes with the saffron party workers. Similarly Raj's supporters also would not be eligible for it as cases against them have been lodged largely in the last two years..

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N Ganesh in Mumbai
 
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