Talking to newsmen after a party meeting convened to discuss the ensuing Legislative Council elections here, Pawar said that Mumbai had been reeling under a fear-psychosis. Extortionists and other criminal elements had forced many businessmen, besides seven or eight prominent doctors, to leave the city, he said.

It was not only the rich who were being targeted by the extortionists but even the purchase of a flat or a vehicle had been inviting the wrath of a large number of these gangs operating in the city, Pawar said.

Critical of the Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra, Pawar said its `incompetence' had become evident long ago but the admission about the critical law and order situation had come from theminister after a prolonged span of time.

Demanding that the Governor should intervene in the matter and apprise the Centre about the state of affairs in Maharashtra, Pawar, however, expressed reservations mentioning ``I have my doubts about any concrete action when L K Advani holds the Home portfolio.''

An economic slump in Mumbai not only affected the State adversely but also dented the country as a whole, Pawar said, dismayed that the State Government had failed to gauge the gravity of situation.

Citing the huge loans burdening the Sena-BJP combine government in the State, he said that the grave situation demanded 86 per cent of the revenue earnings towards repayment of loans till the year 1999-2000.

Under circumstances it was necessary to generate a strong public opinion against the government, he added.