Maharashtra’s political landscape was shaken today by the heartbreaking death of Hidayatullah Patel, vice president of the state Congress unit. The prominent leader was viciously stabbed by unknown attackers yesterday evening, in what appears to be a premeditated strike amid rising tensions.
The attack unfolded near a local market where Patel was meeting supporters. Assailants on a bike swooped in, slashing him multiple times before fleeing the scene. Bystanders provided immediate aid, ferrying the gravely wounded leader to the hospital. Tragically, he breathed his last on the operating table after hours of intensive care.
A seasoned politician with deep roots in the minority community, Patel championed issues like education, employment, and communal harmony. His assassination has ignited outrage, with Congress accusing the ruling dispensation of failing to protect opposition voices. Party chief Rahul Gandhi expressed profound grief, terming it a ‘cowardly act against democracy.’
Law enforcement agencies have swung into action, detaining several suspects for questioning and raiding potential hideouts. Forensic teams are piecing together evidence, including weapon recovery and witness statements. The incident has sparked debates on political violence, with analysts warning of escalating hostilities ahead of polls.
As funeral preparations begin, thousands are expected to pay homage. Patel’s family seeks justice, vowing to carry forward his unfinished work. This loss underscores the urgent need for robust security measures for leaders and a crackdown on organized crime infiltrating politics.
