Mumbai: A political firestorm has erupted in Maharashtra after Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Gulabrao Patil suggested that women should carry chili powder and a knife for self-defense instead of relying on the government for protection. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader and women’s state president Rohini Khadse.

Slamming Patil’s comments, Khadse accused the Maharashtra government of neglecting women's safety. “Your government is shameless,” she said, adding that the minister’s statement essentially absolves the administration of its responsibility.

Patil, a Shiv Sena leader from the Shinde faction, made the remark during a Women’s Day event in Jalgaon, invoking Balasaheb Thackeray’s past comments about women carrying self-defense tools. He argued that given the rising cases of atrocities against women in Pune and Beed, women should be prepared to protect themselves.

Khadse ridiculed his stance, recalling past controversial statements from his party, including a comparison of roads to actress Hema Malini’s cheeks. “You talk about self-defense, but where is the respect for women?” she asked.

Further escalating her attack, Khadse accused the Mahayuti government of failing to provide security for women in Maharashtra. “The minister’s words make it clear that the government has no role in ensuring safety. They have accepted their failure,” she said.

The controversy comes amid increasing political tensions in Maharashtra, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling coalition of ignoring critical issues. Khadse’s remarks have intensified the debate, putting the government under pressure to respond to growing concerns over law and order.