Solapur, a city known for its historical significance and political activity, witnessed a dramatic incident when Chandrakant Patil, the newly appointed Guardian Minister of the district, made his inaugural visit to the region on Sunday night. The visit, intended for official engagements, took an unexpected turn when a protester targeted the minister, adding to the growing unrest surrounding government job privatization policies.
While staying at the government rest house, Chandrakant Patil became the subject of a unique form of protest. An activist affiliated with the Bhima Army organization boldly threw blue ink at the minister, symbolizing resistance to the government’s stance on privatizing public employment. The bold act, resulting in a flurry of commotion and tension, reflects the fervent sentiments regarding this policy.
Prompt action followed the ink attack, with law enforcement officers swiftly apprehending the activist in question, identified as Ajay Mendergikar. The incident drew attention due to its parallels with a prior attack on a government official. Just last month, the then Guardian Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil had experienced a similar assault by Shekhar Bangale, the coordinator of the Dhangar Reservation Action Committee. This pattern of attacks has placed local police on high alert during every minister’s visit to the government rest house, prioritizing security and the prevention of any untoward incidents.
In light of these events, enhanced security measures were put in place during Chandrakant Patil’s visit. Even Shekhar Bangale, the individual who had previously targeted Vikhe-Patil, made an appearance to submit a memorandum to the new minister. However, authorities remained vigilant and took him into custody before he could approach the minister. In a bold display of dissent, Ajay Mendergikar, during his encounter with the minister, breached the police security perimeter and splashed ink, while fellow protesters unfurled black flags and chanted slogans condemning the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The ink attack on Chandrakant Patil symbolizes the mounting opposition to the government’s policies and a growing wave of protests in the region. As such incidents persist, it underscores the need for a more open and constructive dialogue between policymakers and those affected by government decisions.
