Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accuses govt of encouraging Sambhaji Bhide

Ambadas Danve. Pic/ official Twitter account

On Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Maharashtra government of protecting right-wing activist Sambhaji Bhide, who has been booked for his alleged objectionable comments on Mahatama Gandhi.

Sambhaji Bhide, the founder of Shri Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, allegedly made the remarks on Mahatma Gandhi while addressing an event in Amravati last week and was booked by Rajapeth police.

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"The inaction and encouragement of the BJP has led to Bhide attacking revered personalities like Mahatma Gandhi. The state government is actively promoting Bhide and endorsing his statements," Danve, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, told reporters.

The Congress and NCP, on Friday and Saturday, condemned Sambhaji Bhide and demanded that the Maharashtra government arrest him.

Further, Danve also questioned the decision to bestow the Lokmanya Tilak National Award, constituted by Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust in 1983 to honour the legacy of legendary freedom fighter, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Danve claimed the PM was silent on the violence in Manipur despite the country seeking a response on the matter. Lokmanya Tilak fought fearlessly against the British and challenged their actions, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said.

Meanwhile, NCP leader Jitendra Ahwad filed an FIR against Sambhaji Bhinde at Naupada police station on Monday.

(with inputs from PTI)