Babanrao Lonikar: ‘PM Modi gave your father Rs 6,000, slippers on your feet are because of us’: BJP MLA’s comment sparks row; CM Fadnavis calls it ‘totally wrong’ | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar News
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Babanrao Lonikar, former state minister and BJP MLA from Jalna’s Partur, sparked fresh controversy on Wednesday after a video captured during his speech at a public function showed him criticising local youths for targeting state govt on social media platforms.In the video, Lonikar can be heard saying: “Prime Minister Modi gave your father Rs 6,000 (annually) for agriculture sowing. Money from the Ladki Bahin scheme came in the name of your mother, your sister, and your wife. The clothes you wear are given by our govt. The shoes or slippers on your feet are because of us. Even the mobile phones in your hands are because of us. You take all from us and still talk against us.”Lonikar’s remarks placed BJP-led Mahayuti govt under pressure, prompting chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to reprimand the MLA. Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai, “Lonikar’s comments, as seen in the video, are completely wrong, even if they were aimed at a section of people. He should not have made such a statement at a time when PM Modi calls himself pradhan sevak and we all are following the idea.”
Opposition politicians swiftly condemned Lonikar’s statements. Ambadas Danve, the leader of opposition in the state legislative council, called Lonikar’s remarks an “Indian-version of British-era mentality” and added: “This language is not good in a democracy. Lonikar must not forget that he is an MLA and enjoys leadership because of the people from his constituency. People will not forgive him for his arrogance.“
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Maharashtra Congress chief Harshavardhan Sapkal called the comments “disgusting” and demanded Lonikar’s expulsion from BJP. Sapkal said, “Lonikar has insulted the food giver of the world. His comments are the height of perversion. He must apologise or face serious consequences.”Lonikar did not respond to calls and messages seeking his position on the matter. This incident follows a recent controversy where he warned villages with fewer votes of withholding their development funds.
