BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar from Partur in Jalna and a former Maharashtra minister, has stirred controversy after a video of his speech went viral. In the video, he criticised local youths for speaking against the government on social media despite benefiting from various welfare schemes.
What Did Lonikar Say?
Speaking at a public event, Lonikar said, "Prime Minister Modi gave your father Rs 6,000 every year for farming. Your mother, sister, and wife got money through the Ladki Bahin scheme. The clothes you wear, the shoes on your feet, and even the mobile phones in your hands, all of these are because of our government. Yet you speak against us?"
BJP Faces Backlash
His comments have put the BJP-led Mahayuti government in an uncomfortable position. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis criticised the MLA, saying, "Such remarks are wrong, even if aimed at a specific group. When PM Modi calls himself a pradhan sevak, all of us should follow that spirit."
Opposition Hits Out
Opposition leaders were quick to respond. Leader of the Opposition in the legislative council Ambadas Danve said, "Lonikar's words reflect a British-era mindset. In a democracy, such arrogance is unacceptable."
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshavardhan Sapkal went further, calling the remarks "disgusting" and demanded Lonikar’s expulsion from the party.
No Response from Lonikar
Lonikar has yet to comment on the matter. This is not his first controversial remark, earlier, he threatened to deny development funds to villages that did not vote in large numbers.
Inputs from TOI
What Did Lonikar Say?
Speaking at a public event, Lonikar said, "Prime Minister Modi gave your father Rs 6,000 every year for farming. Your mother, sister, and wife got money through the Ladki Bahin scheme. The clothes you wear, the shoes on your feet, and even the mobile phones in your hands, all of these are because of our government. Yet you speak against us?"
BJP Faces Backlash
His comments have put the BJP-led Mahayuti government in an uncomfortable position. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis criticised the MLA, saying, "Such remarks are wrong, even if aimed at a specific group. When PM Modi calls himself a pradhan sevak, all of us should follow that spirit."
Opposition Hits Out
Opposition leaders were quick to respond. Leader of the Opposition in the legislative council Ambadas Danve said, "Lonikar's words reflect a British-era mindset. In a democracy, such arrogance is unacceptable."
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshavardhan Sapkal went further, calling the remarks "disgusting" and demanded Lonikar’s expulsion from the party.
No Response from Lonikar
Lonikar has yet to comment on the matter. This is not his first controversial remark, earlier, he threatened to deny development funds to villages that did not vote in large numbers.
Inputs from TOI
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