Politics

Maharashtra Election: Congress Leader Nana Patole’s ‘Dog’ Remark Sparks Controversy; BJP Responds

The Maharashtra Congress head Nana Patole’s contentious “dog” comment was denounced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. The party said that the remarks were a reflection of the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s mounting annoyance as the Maharashtra Assembly elections draw near.

In response to Patole’s statement, BJP leader Kirit Somaiyya said it demonstrated the Congress’s despair at their upcoming loss. They are moving from disillusionment to hopelessness. Uddhav Thackeray is criticizing the Election Commission, Sharad Pawar is making claims, and Rahul Gandhi’s Congress is now referring to the BJP as “kutta,” Somaiyya said. “This is a reflection of their dissatisfaction, particularly given that the Mahayuti alliance is supported by the majority in opinion polls.”

According to BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari, who echoed Somaiyya, Patole commented out of irritation. Bhandari remarked, “Nana Patole’s frustration is evident.” He senses the Congress won’t form Maharashtra’s next government when he tours the state. His statement that he wanted to “tame the BJP as dogs” reflects the Congress’s “emergency” mentality, which holds that the best way to deal with problems is to silence opponents and bring legal action against them. They would target anyone who spoke out against them if they were elected.

What Did Nana Patole Say?

Nana Patole voiced his ire at the BJP’s treatment of the OBC minority on Monday while supporting a candidate in the Akola district. “Will the OBC residents of Akola, who are being called dogs, vote for the BJP?” Patole uttered. “The BJP has become so conceited that it’s time to turn them into a dog.”

This dispute arose days after Arvind Sawant, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, allegedly called Shaina NC, a leader who defected from the BJP to the Shiv Sena group under Eknath Shinde, “imported maal.”