Chavan seeks dy CM’s response on Bhide; Bhujbal says apprise PM

Kolhapur/Nashik: Right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide’s recent remarks against Mahatma Gandhi continued to draw criticism from different quarters on Monday. Political leaders, from the opposition camp as well as the ruling alliance, sought a suitable response from the government.In Karad, former chief minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan asked deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to at least clarify if Bhide had violated any law by making the objectionable statement against Gandhi.In Nashik, state food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal sought immediate police action against Bhide and said the prime minister too should be informed of Bhide’s irresponsible comments on Mahatma Gandhi’s family and social reformer Jyotiba Phule.Chavan, known for his calm attitude, had demanded strict action against Bhide in the assembly a few days ago. An FIR was then registered at Amravati. On Monday, Chavan said: “An FIR was registered a few days ago. However, Fadnavis, who is also home minister, is yet to tell people if Bhide has violated any law by making crass statements against the person who is revered across the world. At least Fadnavis should tell whether the law is violated or not as per the Indian Penal Code. Or does the government want him (Bhide) to go scot free and continue to disturb the society and spark riots?”The former CM claimed people will not believe BJP leaders’ claim that Bhide and BJP have no relationship. “No one will believe that. Everyone knows. There is a web of organisations working with the same motive. Even after Mahatma Gandhi was killed, they had claimed that they had nothing to do with Nathuram Godse. But they should know why their parent organisation RSS was banned by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after Gandhi was killed. The investigation should be done into who funds Bhide’s organisation,” said Chavan.Responding to questions in Nashik, Bhujbal pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Bhide in the past. “Modi is visiting Pune on Tuesday for a programme. My request to the personalities who share the dais with our PM in Pune is that they should apprise him of Bhide’s irresponsible statements,” he said. “The police must immediately arrest Bhide and put him behind bars for such irresponsible statements that hurt the sentiments of people,” he added. According to Bhujbal, he is not aware if anyone is guiding Bhide to make such statements to deliberately draw out people’s reaction with some vested interest in mind. “Only an insane person can make such remarks against Gandhiji and Jyotiba Phule,” said Bhujbal.The Nashik unit of the Ajit Pawar faction of NCP on Monday staged a demonstration in front of the district collectorate to protest against Bhide for his controversial remarks. A delegation of NCP, led by district president Ravindra Pagar and city unit president Ranjan Thakre, met additional district collector Babasaheb Pardhe and handed over a memorandum seeking action against Bhide. Protest in SangliCongress supporters, leaders of progressive outfits and women in large numbers protested against Sambhaji Bhide in Sangli. Congress leader Vishal Patil said Bhide’s organisation was started to divert attention of the youths from addiction. However, in recent years, the real agenda has come forth. “Attempts were made to create a division in society over social media posts. However, most people realised how hollow the claims were. As the elections approach, such statements are made. Everyone knows who benefits from riots that take place afterwards,” said Patil, who is also grandson of late chief minister Vasantdada Patil.
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