Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Vows Action Against Right-Wing Activist For Disparaging Remarks On Mahatma Gandhi

Police have already booked Bhide following the controversial comments made during an event in Amravati, sparking condemnation and demands for strict repercussions.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 30 July 2023 10:01 am

Devendra Fadnavis

In response to the recent controversy surrounding right-wing activist Sambhaji Bhide's alleged objectionable remarks against Mahatma Gandhi, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that appropriate action will be taken against him. The police have already filed a case against Bhide after he reportedly made the contentious comments during an event in Amravati. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur on Sunday, Fadnavis strongly condemned the remarks, emphasizing that the insult to the Father of the Nation would not be tolerated.

"I am making it clear that Sambhaji Bhide or anyone else cannot make such statements as it creates anger among people, who will never tolerate such an insult of Gandhiji. Police will take appropriate action in the case," the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader stated, according to PTI.

Fadnavis also clarified that Sambhaji Bhide runs an independent organization called Shri Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan and has no affiliation with the BJP. He urged opposition parties not to politicize the issue, emphasizing the need for collective condemnation of any offensive comments.

The Congress party has demanded Bhide's immediate arrest and the addition of sedition charges against him. Several Congress leaders raised the issue in the Assembly, and the state unit chief, Nana Patole, accused Bhide of having links with the BJP-RSS and being protected by them. Patole threatened statewide protests after the Monsoon session of the Assembly concludes on August 4 if Bhide is not arrested by then.

Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Clyde Crasto criticized the BJP for its alleged "leniency" towards Bhide, claiming that such complacency had emboldened him to make offensive statements.

The controversy further escalated with Bhide's supporters protesting in Amravati against Congress MLA Yashomati Thakur for her alleged objectionable comments about the right-wing activist. A complaint has been filed with the police seeking action against Thakur.