Wadettiwar Seeks Cases Against Rana, Bonde For False Claims To Incite Hatred
Mumbai: Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Sunday demanded action against former Amravati Lok Sabha member Navneet Rana and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde for allegedly making divisive statements in connection with the Amravati case and maintained that crimes against women have no caste or religion. Mr. Wadettiwar described Ms. Rana as a “poisonous vine” nurtured to spread caste hatred and incite conflict for political gain. Ms. Rana also hit back, calling him “uptight” (insignificant) and accusing the Congress of feeding “green poisonous snakes”.
These remarks came amid political turmoil over allegations of sexual assault on underage girls in Amravati. Ms Rana had earlier claimed that 150 Hindu girls, including minors, were targeted. However, the allegations were later revealed to be false and reportedly embarrassed the BJP leadership; This is said to have advised him to refrain from speaking to the media and instead provide evidence to police investigating the incident.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Wadettiwar said a case should be registered against Ms. Rana for making statements that could create discord between communities. “There is no caste or religion in cases of rape and atrocities against women. The person committing such an act is simply a criminal and must face strict action,” he said, adding that those involved in such offenses should face the harshest punishment.
Referring to the Amravati case, Mr. Wadettiwar also questioned the basis of Ms. Rana’s allegations about the involvement of burqa-wearing individuals and accused her of repeatedly making communal and divisive statements. He also claimed that he had not changed his approach despite his election defeat.
Mr Wadettiwar also criticized Ms Rana for not commenting on other cases and lashed out when a Muslim teenager was allegedly involved, describing such behavior as “highly condemnable”. He also requested that a lawsuit be filed against Mr. Bonde for allegedly providing false information in the case.
Responding to the criticism, Ms. Rana said, “These are insignificant people. There is no need for me to respond. The Congress nurtured the ‘green poisonous snakes’ that are now exposed. During their rule, such cases were suppressed. Under the rule of Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis, such elements will be dealt with.”
The former MP also accused Congress of lack of commitment to women’s issues, citing its stance on the Women’s Reservation Bill, and said his critics should “look after their own house before they speak”.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar also expressed his displeasure over the language used by the Congress leader against a woman politician.
