Mumbai, Apr 24 (PTI) Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal on Friday alleged that Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s remarks against a publisher over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj show his “criminal mindset”, and asked why the government failed to act against him so far.
A controversy erupted after an audio clip went viral on social media, in which Gaikwad was purportedly heard using offensive language and threatening Kolhapur-based publisher Prashant Ambi. The MLA referred to the book titled ‘Shivaji Kon Hota’ (Who was Shivaji), written by CPI leader Govind Pansare and originally published in 1988.
According to Ambi, the MLA called him and objected to the title of the book. The book’s publisher claimed that during the call, Gaikwad threatened to “chop off his tongue”, enter his home to assault him, and warned, “you will also meet Pansare.” Pansare was shot dead during a morning walk in Kolhapur in 2015.
Talking to reporters here, Sapkal claimed Gaikwad used “filthy language” against the publisher and also referred to the killing of Pansare, and called his conduct reflective of a “criminal mindset”.
The book is an important document, but Gaikwad’s comments while speaking about it amounted to disrespect towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Congress leader claimed.
He hit out at the government over its response to earlier controversies involving remarks on the Maratha warrior king, saying there was inaction on its part.
According to him, the MLA had a history of intimidation and misconduct, including assaulting a canteen staff and frequently using abusive language, among other things.
He alleged that the state government was “shielding” Gaikwad.
Citing controversial remarks allegedly made by Gaikwad targeting political leaders, Sapkal said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should act at least on the statements directed at his own party.
On the issue of making Marathi mandatory for autorickshaw and taxi drivers, Sapkal said the language should be promoted, but opposed compulsion, terming it an attempt at polarisation.
With the granting of classical language status to Marathi, the government should take concrete steps like setting up dedicated Marathi departments in universities across the state, he added.
Earlier this month, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that speaking Marathi will be mandatory for auto drivers from May 1, and all 59 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Maharashtra will conduct a special drive to enforce the rule. PTI MR NP
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