Pune, May 7 (IANS) Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Thursday alleged that crimes against women have sharply increased in Pune after the projection of Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis as the “architect of new Pune.”

“In just three months, from January to March, 700 cases of sexual exploitation were reported, with one rape occurring every day. Drugs are being sold openly, sickle gangs are creating terror, and criminal interference in the Gultekdi Market Yard has risen. Are these developments also part of Devendra Fadnavis’s ‘architecture’?” Sapkal questioned.

He was speaking at the ceremony to inaugurate a 45-metre flagpole. The programme began with tributes being paid to the four-year-old victim from Nasrapur, Pune, and other victims of crimes against women and children.

He described it as a deeply disgusting and horrifying form of perversion that has shaken the world. Several prominent global figures have resigned following revelations linked to the files.

“During Operation Sindoor, the United States suddenly announced a ceasefire. India was allegedly forced into a trade agreement under American pressure. The US is also dictating that India should not purchase crude oil from Russia, while PM Modi has remained silent because he has surrendered,” Sapkal alleged.

He alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh were trying to distort the meaning and spirit of these three colours in the Indian flag.

He claimed that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh opposed the tricolour and did not hoist it at its offices for nearly 50–55 years after Independence. He said people must stand up against such tendencies.

“Our fight is between the black caps opposing the tricolour and the ideology of Manusmriti opposing the Constitution,” he added.

Sapkal also criticised the proposed 54-kilometre underground road project in Pune worth Rs 34,000 crore, alleging massive corruption in it.

He said no public hearing was conducted before announcing the project, and elected corporators were not consulted.

According to him, the project would only deepen corruption in Pune, and people must raise their voices against it.

–IANS

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