Pune: Maharashtra Minister Bawankule’s Call to “Empty Congress” Sparks Debate; Clarifies Stance Amid Opposition Criticism

Pune, 5th May 2025: Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s recent remarks advising party workers to “break Congress and empty the party” have ignited widespread discussion and criticism from opposition leaders. Addressing the media in Pune, Bawankule commented on the shifting political landscape, noting that several Congress leaders-including Ravindra Dhangekar and Sangram Thopte-have joined other parties or the BJP, and claimed that many leaders from Vidarbha and Marathwada are also moving to the BJP.

Bawankule argued that Congress’s grassroots workers are increasingly dissatisfied, blaming the party’s lack of national vision and leadership for its decline. He stated that a party cannot grow solely on narrative and accused Congress of only blaming EVMs for electoral losses. Bawankule emphasised that those in Congress who wish to join the mainstream of development are welcome in the BJP, but insisted that his comments were being misrepresented by opponents.