“Prime Minister Modi pledged clean tap water in every home by 2024, but here we are in 2025, and women in Maharashtra continue to trek long distances for water,” Sapkal stated during a press conference at Tilak Bhavan, Mumbai.
Referencing an investigation by the Union Finance Ministry, Sapkal pointed out significant financial discrepancies. “How did the price of a single tap jump from ₹30,000 to ₹1.37 lakh? The Centre itself has requested clarification. Clearly, the mission has benefitted only officials and contractors,” he remarked.
Sapkal brought attention to tragic incidents such as the death of a young girl in Yavatmal while collecting water, and women in Nashik putting their lives at risk by climbing into wells. “This is not merely poor execution — it constitutes criminal negligence,” he emphasized.
Sapkal disclosed that funding for the mission has now been cut by 47%, jeopardizing future initiatives. “This is not just a failure of policy — it represents a betrayal of women and rural communities who endure the daily hardships of water scarcity.”
Sapkal also called for an investigation into BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari’s controversial comments regarding the 26/11 terror attack. “With Tahawwur Rana extradited to India, why is Bhandari making such irresponsible statements? He must be interrogated alongside Rana. If BJP leaders from that time, including Ajit Pawar, are in power now, they too should be scrutinized. Pawar should be removed from the cabinet until a proper investigation takes place,” he asserted.
Regarding the recent effort to enforce Hindi from Class 1, Sapkal labeled it a dangerous conspiracy. “This is an attempt to erase Marathi culture and language. Why not start with Gujarat if they’re sincere? Imposing three languages without any scientific basis is folly. The Chief Minister remains silent, but we insist this decision be rescinded immediately.”
(Edited by : Priyanka Rathi)
