A clear lack of coordination has emerged within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra over the issue of Pakistani nationals present in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while addressing a rally in Buldhana, claimed that 107 Pakistani nationals were missing in Maharashtra. In contrast, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis contradicted the claim, stating that no Pakistani citizen is missing.
Speaking at the rally, Shinde said, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have instructed that Pakistani nationals must leave our country. This is the wish of every Indian. Some Pakistani citizens were present in Maharashtra, and information has been received that 107 of them are missing. Wherever they are, they must leave immediately. Otherwise, the police will track them down and take strict action.”
Shinde further added, “Those who are sheltering Pakistanis will also not be spared.”
However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday rubbished reports about Pakistani nationals being missing and said all of them were accounted for. He said arrangements are being made to deport Pakistani nationals as per the Centre’s directives.
The exit deadline for the 12 categories of short-term visa holders of the neighbouring nation ended Sunday.
He clarified, “There is talk about 107 citizens missing, but not a single Pakistani national is untraceable. All Pakistani citizens who came to Maharashtra have been located. I expect that by this evening or tomorrow morning, the entire process will be completed, and not a single Pakistani national will remain in the state.”
The debate comes amid heightened tensions following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, in which 26 innocent tourists lost their lives. The brutal attack has sparked nationwide outrage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have been holding continuous meetings with senior officials to discuss security measures. PM Modi chaired a two-hour meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday, leading to the decision to take strict action against Pakistan.
