Mumbai:
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray on Friday criticised the Maharashtra government over the killing of Additional District Collector Yashwant Sonawane, saying the murder has "ruined the state's image".
"If a Collector-level officer is not safe in the state then the Chief Minister and Home Minister should explain who is safe here. Corrupt and unethical practices have brought shame on the state," Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
Equating the oil mafia with 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab, Thackeray said, "Oil, land and sand mafia get protection from the government. The mafia has power to buy laws, police and judicial system because they get support from the rulers."
Linking bureaucrats with the mafia, Thackeray said the rulers and ministers change but mafia and bureaucrats remain the same.
"Nothing is free from adulteration in the state, from milk to ghee and pickle to medicines, rice, liquor, petrol and diesel," Thackeray said.
Casting aspersions on the functioning of the Food and Drug Administration department, he said common people are suffering due to adulteration and politicians have made their life hell.