Mumbai - Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP on Sunday, accusing them of undermining democracy and manipulating constitutional institutions. Patole, speaking to IANS on Republic Day, specifically cited the Election Commission's alleged inaction regarding the "mysterious" 76 lakh votes cast overnight during the recent Maharashtra elections.

Patole demanded an explanation from the Election Commission, calling their silence "complicity" in suppressing voters' rights. He went on to criticize the government elected by these votes, stating it no longer represents the people but rather a "handful of moneylenders."

The Congress leader also targeted the handling of the Shariful Islam case, the accused in the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan. Patole questioned the authorities' handling of the case, alleging they first arrested a duplicate accused and then fabricated stories to cover it up. He further criticized the recent presentation of another accused, calling him a "fabricated scapegoat."

Patole further pointed to the Akshay Shinde case, where the court found fault with the police's handling of the investigation into the accused's death. He accused the police of staging an encounter to protect the real culprits, who he alleges are associated with RSS members. The court has reprimanded the government and police for their actions, stating that an atmosphere was created to look like Akshay Shinde committed suicide.

Patole also criticized the state's law and order situation, attributing it to retired officers heading the police force. He alleged that the police machinery is being used for political gains and highlighted numerous cases from Mumbai to Gadchiroli as evidence. He remarked that 65 per cent of ministers in this government have criminal records.