MUMBAI, February 7: The killing in broad daylight of Mumbai builder, Manish Shah, by the underworld on Thursday has shaken the city especially when the campaign for the parliamentary elections is gathering momentum. Mumbaites, who are yet to get over the killing of Gulshan Kumar, textile mill owner Vallabh Thakkar and leading builder Nathubhai Desai last year, fear a large scale gangwar killings in the days to come.Moreover, there are reports on the growing activities of Pakistani intelligence agency, ISI and other divisive forces in Mumbai and elsewhere in Maharashtra to create tension during the elections. The state government is confident about tackling subversive activities and is committed to holding the elections in a free and fair manner.
Deputy chief minister and home minister Gopinath Munde, who is in charge of the law and order situation, is optimistic that no untoward incident will occur as the government is ready for any eventuality. In an interview with The Financial Express, Mundeoutlined some of the measures being taken by the government.
Q: Can you comment on the forces behind the killing of Manish Shah?
A: I have ordered a high level inquiry into the incident. The probe will be conducted by the joint commissioner of police (crime) RS Sharma. At this juncture, I don't want to comment further.
Q: There are reports about warnings by the central intelligence agencies to keep a watch on growing activities by Pakistani Intelligence agency, ISI and other anti-national forces during elections.
A: It is a fact that after the recent killings of 23 Kashmiri pandits by militants, the central intelligence agencies have warned that ISI and other subversive forces may attempt to sabotage the election process in India. We have also received reports that mafia gangs will also try to disturb the present law and order situation to mar the elections.
Q: Is there a direct threat for the senior leaders from these forces?
A: The central intelligenceagencies have been directed to accord top priority for the security of certain leaders especially those who come under the Z security cover. Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, former state chief minister Sharad Pawar, chief minister Manohar Joshi and I have been provided Z security. I have directed the state director general of police to keep a close watch on the security arrangements of these leaders especially at public meetings.
The government has also issued orders to take stern action against those indulging in anti-social activities and provide security to the candidates contesting the elections who have demanded the same. The Congress nominee from Rajapaur, Machhindra Kambli, Samajwadi Party candidate from Thane, Chandrika Kenia and state SP president Husain Dalwai have been provided necessary security cover. Similar protection will also be given to presidents of various political parties and even independents.
Q: Has the election commission put a curb on holding meetings after sunset by theleaders who are risk-prone?
A: As per my knowledge, no such directives have been issued. However, the election commission has asked the state government to take sufficient security measures during the campaign by these leaders. An additional police bandobast comprising personnel from state reserve police force and home guards will be deployed both at the meeting sites and polling stations. Special attention will be paid on sensitive polling stations identified by the state election department.
I want to make it clear that the Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra is committed to incident-free and fair elections.
During three years of the alliance government rule, there were no instances of communal riots while the recent celebrations of Ramzan Id were quite peaceful. All attempts will be made to maintain communal harmony. My department has already directed holding mohalla committee meetings and keeping a dialogue among various communities.
Q: How will you tackle the intra partyrivalries?
A: There are two instances where the opposition Congress was involved in inciting violence in the very beginning of poll campaign. The BJP has lodged official complaints against the Congress with the state chief electoral officer.
Congressmen were involved in violence in Jalgaon and Jat taluka of Sangli district. Congress workers had assaulted a state legislator from Jat, Madhukar Kamble, two days ago, apparently to thwart his participation in the poll campaign of BJP candidate from Sangli constituency. Kamble, who is an associate member of BJP in the state legislative assembly, was severely beaten up and threatened by Congress activists to keep away from the poll campaign of BJP nominee Anna Dange. Police protection has already been provided to˙Kamble.
Q: What are the electoral prospects of alliance candidates in Maharashtra?
A: I am confident that the SS-BJP will win at least 40 of the total 48 seats in the state. The people will ones again support the alliance asthey are sick of the Congress and they want a stable government under the prime ministership of AB Vajpayee.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
