Pune: Deputy CM Fadnavis Reacts To Attack On Nikhil Wagle By BJP Workers, ‘Why To Make People Famous Whom Nobody Wants To Listen’
Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 16th February 2024: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today reacted to the recent attack on senior journalist Nikhil Wagle by BJP workers.
Fadnavis, distancing the BJP from such acts, stated, “This is not BJP’s culture at all. I always say to BJP workers, don’t take the law into your hands.” He further critiqued Wagle’s approach, questioning why attention is given to individuals whose views go unheard, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity in political discourse.
Meanwhile, the long-standing animosity between BJP leader and former Chief Minister Narayan Rane and Thackeray group leader MLA Bhaskar Jadhav took a violent turn today. The spark was ignited by a scheduled public meeting in Guhagar’s Tali in Ratnagiri district, organized by Narayan Rane’s son Nilesh Rane.
Protestors aligned with Bhaskar Jadhav’s faction took to the streets to voice their dissent against the gathering, resulting in a clash between activists from both sides. The confrontation escalated to the point where stones were hurled, causing damage to numerous vehicles and homes in the vicinity.
Notably, during the same timeframe, BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis was in Pune for an official visit. When questioned about the Guhagar incident, Fadnavis condemned the violent clashes, asserting that cowardly attacks cannot deter anyone. He assured that appropriate action would be taken concerning the incident.
In a nuanced critique, Fadnavis indirectly took aim at former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Bhaskar Jadhav, suggesting that such incidents reflect poorly on their leadership.
It has been reported that former MP Nilesh Rane was en route to conduct a public meeting in Tali village, Guhagar, in the evening when supporters of Bhaskar Jadhav mobilized a protest in Chiplun.
As Rane’s convoy made its way to Guhagar, it passed by Jadhav’s office in Chiplun, where Jadhav’s supporters had gathered. Tensions escalated, resulting in a clash between the two factions, leading to a violent exchange of stones. The confrontation caused damage to windows of several vehicles and houses.
Despite the situation being eventually brought under control, heightened security measures were implemented outside Bhaskar Jadhav’s office.
Jadhav, acknowledging that stone-pelting occurred from his side, asserted that it was initiated by BJP workers. Expressing dissatisfaction, he claimed that the police took action against his supporters, detaining them, while neglecting to address the alleged involvement of BJP workers.
Furthermore, Jadhav accused Rane of intentionally passing by his office, insinuating that an alternative route could have been taken by Rane’s convoy. The incident has intensified the ongoing political rivalry, raising concerns about the handling of such clashes and the selective application of law enforcement measures.
