‘Utterly shameful’: Tharoor slams police action against women protesters in Delhi

Mumbai police have refrained from clamping down on protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI), while Delhi police have been more aggressive. The BJP-led Maharashtra government is taking two approaches: limiting police involvement and countering opposition narratives. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees law and order, has instructed police to avoid excessive force.

The party's stance in Mumbai differs from their approach in Delhi, where a lathicharge was used against Maratha quota protesters in September 2023. Former Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Eknath Shinde had to apologize for the incident. In contrast, opposition founder Abhijit Dipke praised Mumbai police, calling them the best in the country.

Fadnavis maintains that everyone has the right to express their views, and police will act based on the situation. The BJP is countering opposition charges by engaging with the public through meetings and media interactions. A list of BJP leaders has been tasked with regularly addressing the media to respond to opposition criticism.

Despite having 230 MLAs, the BJP government faces anti-government sentiment from protests, and its alliance partners have largely stayed away from the issue.