Subject: Condemnation of the Hon'ble Chief Minister's abusive language in the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly regarding the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link landslide and demand for accountability

[Vidya Naik]

Date: 10 July 2026

To,

Shri Devendra Fadnavis

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra

Chief Minister's Office

Mantralaya, Mumbai – 400032

Respected Chief Minister,

I, Adv. Vidya Naik, National Secretary of the Socialist Party (India), strongly condemn your statements made during the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly regarding the recent landslide that completely blocked the entrance of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link, which was inaugurated on 1 May 2026, Maharashtra Day.

When the Opposition questioned your Government, you stated, "Do not blame Maharashtra, blame me." We therefore hold you and your Government accountable for this serious failure. Questioning a public infrastructure project does not insult Maharashtra; rather, it strengthens democracy and ensures accountability.

We are equally disturbed by your reported remarks referring to young people expressing their views on social media as *"भाड़े के टट्टू" (bhade ke tattu).*

 Recently, the use of the word *"cockroach"* had also triggered a major controversy.

Therefore, I humbly request you to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility in your choice of words while speaking about the voice of the youth.

Every citizen has the constitutional right to question the Government.

*No Chief Minister should intimidate or insult the youth for expressing their opinions or for seeking accountability.*

Today, a serious question arises: Is the freedom of the press truly alive? There is a widespread perception that many media organisations hesitate to question those in power. If the media cannot freely raise questions, citizens and the youth will naturally use social media to express their concerns. Instead of threatening or insulting them, the Government should answer their questions with facts.

 Democracy demands accountability, not fear.

The people of Maharashtra deserve complete transparency. 

*We demand that your Government immediately disclose whether a detailed geological, geotechnical and safety study was conducted before the project was opened; what landslide prevention and slope protection measures were undertaken; and how much public money was spent on safety works such as rock bolting, shotcrete, steel mesh, retaining structures, drainage systems, rockfall barriers and other protective measures. We also demand that the Detailed Project Report (DPR), quality audit reports, safety reports, expenditure details and the findings of an independent technical inquiry be made public.*

I, strongly condemn your attitude and call upon you to uphold democratic values by respecting freedom of expression, accepting responsibility, ensuring complete transparency and fixing accountability for this incident.

Yours faithfully,

Adv. Vidya Naik

LL.B., LL.M. (Human Rights)

National Secretary

Socialist Party (India)

Mumbai, Maharashtra

9029786539