English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Lungi, baniyan protest rocks Maharashtra Assembly over Slapgate MLA Sanjay Gaikwad

Opposition lawmakers dressed in lungis and baniyans condemned Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad for slapping a hostel employee and making communal remarks targeting the Shetty community.

Published

on

In a dramatic show of protest, opposition lawmakers from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) staged a unique demonstration outside the Maharashtra Assembly, donning lungis and baniyans to slam Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad over a viral video in which he is seen slapping a canteen employee at the Akashvani MLA hostel in Churchgate, Mumbai.

What Sparked the Controversy?

The incident, now being widely referred to as “Slapgate,” unfolded last week when Sanjay Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena MLA from Buldhana, physically assaulted a hostel canteen staffer, Yogesh Kutran, allegedly over stale food. Gaikwad claimed the dal and rice served to him were foul-smelling, and when complaints over the past two to three years yielded no action, he confronted and slapped the employee in anger.

The confrontation, caught on camera, triggered widespread outrage and demands for accountability. Gaikwad, however, showed no remorse and doubled down on his actions, stating in media interviews that he “knew the road was wrong but it led to the right outcome.” He also alleged that the assault helped trigger action, as the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration subsequently cancelled the canteen’s license.

Opposition’s ‘Lungi-Baniyan’ Protest: A Symbolic Outcry

Leading the protest, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve and NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad, along with other legislators, wore towels as lungis and baniyans (vests), parodying what they termed the ruling alliance’s descent into “goonda raj.” Placards and slogans condemned the “chaddi-baniyan gang,” mocking the erosion of public dignity in political circles.

Danve denounced the government’s alleged inaction, accusing it of protecting violent elements in its fold. Fellow protester Sachin Ahir echoed the sentiment, arguing that a mere non-cognisable complaint was insufficient and demanded a formal FIR against Gaikwad.

Sanjay Gaikwad’s Defense and Communal Undertones

Defiant and unapologetic, Gaikwad continued defending his actions, asserting that he would not hesitate to repeat them if provoked similarly. During a televised interview, he walked out when pressed on his conduct.

More disturbingly, Gaikwad’s justification took a communal turn. He blamed the Shetty community—primarily from coastal Karnataka—for “defaming” Maharashtra’s culture, referencing dance bars and other establishments. His comments, particularly targeting a southern community involved in the food industry, have drawn sharp criticism for being xenophobic and casteist.

Political Fallout and Public Response

The incident has escalated political tensions in Maharashtra, exposing deep fissures between the ruling Eknath Shinde-led alliance and the opposition bloc. Gaikwad’s statements have added a layer of regional and communal friction, with civil society and opposition leaders demanding legal and ethical accountability.

Despite widespread public condemnation and media scrutiny, there has been no confirmation of punitive action against Gaikwad from the Shiv Sena or the state government.

Conclusion: An Evolving Political Flashpoint

The ‘Slapgate’ episode underscores growing concern over political entitlement and the use of violence under the guise of grievance redressal. While opposition theatrics have amplified public awareness, the real question remains: Will Maharashtra’s ruling dispensation act decisively, or will this be yet another instance of impunity for the powerful?

Continue Reading

India News

India hits back at Shehbaz Sharif at UN, says terror will have consequences

India hit back at Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s UN speech, with New Delhi warning that terrorism will have consequences.

Published

on

India has responded to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks at the United Nations, delivering a strong message on terrorism and warning that such actions will have consequences.

The response came after Mr Sharif addressed the UN and raised issues concerning India and Pakistan. New Delhi rejected the narrative presented by the Pakistani prime minister and highlighted the issue of terrorism.

India’s message was delivered by Petal Gehlot, who represented New Delhi in the response to Pakistan.

India warns Pakistan over terrorism

India’s response focused on Pakistan’s record and its approach towards terrorism. New Delhi made clear that terrorism cannot be separated from its consequences and that those responsible cannot expect such actions to go unanswered.

The Indian side also pushed back against the claims and allegations made by Mr Sharif during his UN speech.

The exchange comes amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, with terrorism remaining a major point of disagreement between the two countries.

Shehbaz Sharif’s UN remarks

In his address, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke about India-Pakistan relations and raised several issues concerning New Delhi.

India subsequently exercised its right of reply to respond to Pakistan’s statements at the United Nations.

New Delhi’s response underlined its position that terrorism remains a serious issue in the relationship and that there would be consequences for terrorist actions.

The latest exchange at the UN adds to the continuing diplomatic confrontation between the two neighbouring countries.

Continue Reading

India News

Veeramani POCSO case: Vijay questions Stalin over earlier probe

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has questioned MK Stalin over the handling of the Veeramani POCSO case, while Stalin has rejected allegations that the previous DMK government protected anyone.

Published

on

Actor Vijay

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C Joseph Vijay has questioned DMK president MK Stalin over the handling of the POCSO case involving Gem Granites founder R Veeramani. The political exchange follows renewed investigation into allegations involving minor girls.

Vijay’s remarks came as the ruling TVK stepped up its questions about how the case was handled during the previous DMK government. The party’s IT wing has alleged that the earlier investigation was weakened and questioned why a final report was filed.

The allegations have been rejected by the DMK. Stalin has said that no order was issued by the DMK government to protect anyone in the case and has called the allegations false and defamatory.

What did Vijay say about the Veeramani case?

Vijay questioned Stalin over the handling of the case and demanded an explanation from the former chief minister.

The TVK has specifically questioned why action was not taken against Veeramani during the previous administration and why the earlier investigation resulted in a closure report.

The party has also raised questions about the role of officials involved in the earlier investigation. These are political allegations made by the TVK and have not been established as facts.

What is the Veeramani POCSO case?

The case concerns allegations of sexual abuse of minors involving R Veeramani, the founder of Gem Granites.

The case came under renewed scrutiny after a special POCSO court rejected an earlier closure report and ordered further investigation. The expanded probe has subsequently identified additional alleged survivors who were minors at the time of the alleged offences, according to current reporting.

The investigation is also examining the circumstances surrounding the earlier probe and whether there were any lapses in how the case was handled.

What has MK Stalin said?

Stalin has rejected allegations that the previous DMK government protected Veeramani.

He has said that no order was issued by the DMK government to shield anyone in the case. Stalin has also said that everyone responsible for the alleged offences, including anyone who aided or attempted to protect the accused, should face the law.

The DMK president has further said that the focus should remain on securing justice for the affected girls rather than making political allegations.

Why has the case become a political issue?

The Veeramani case has become the subject of a political dispute between the ruling TVK and the DMK over the handling of the earlier investigation.

The TVK is questioning the previous government’s handling of the case, while the DMK has denied that it intervened to protect the accused.

At this stage, claims about political interference or deliberate weakening of the earlier investigation should be treated as allegations unless established by the ongoing investigation or judicial proceedings.

Continue Reading

India News

Women wrestlers challenge Brij Bhushan’s acquittal in sexual harassment case

Four women wrestlers have challenged the acquittal of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar in a sexual harassment case.

Published

on

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Four women wrestlers have approached a Delhi court challenging the acquittal of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case.

The wrestlers have also challenged the acquittal of co-accused Vinod Tomar. The matter is scheduled to be heard by a Special Judge at the Rouse Avenue Courts.

The appeal challenges the order passed by an Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate on August 3, 2026, when Brij Bhushan and Tomar were acquitted in the case.

Wrestlers challenge court’s reasoning

In their appeal, the wrestlers have argued that the acquittal order is legally unsustainable and that the evidence was not assessed appropriately.

They have also alleged that the order relied on assumptions about how victims of sexual assault and harassment were expected to behave instead of assessing the evidence and circumstances of the complainants.

The challenge seeks judicial scrutiny of the findings that resulted in the acquittal of Brij Bhushan and Tomar.

Brij Bhushan was acquitted in August

The Rouse Avenue court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on August 3 in the sexual harassment case involving women wrestlers. The court’s decision followed consideration of the evidence and statements presented during the proceedings.

The case had emerged after several women wrestlers accused the former WFI chief of sexual harassment. The allegations had led to a major protest by wrestlers in 2023.

The latest appeal means the acquittal is now being challenged before a higher court.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com