Cong's Indore candidate withdrew nomination after 'threats and torture', claims Patwari; slams BJP
Shivpuri (MP) (PTI): Congress' Indore Lok Sabha candidate Akshay Bam was "threatened and tortured" following which he withdraw his nomination, the opposition party's Madhya Pradesh chief Jitu Patwari has claimed while targeting the BJP.
Bam withdrew his nomination on Monday, which was the last day for the process.
"Three days ago, IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) was added to an old case against Bam. He was threatened. He was tortured in different ways for the whole night. And today he has withdrawn his nomination," Patwari alleged at a rally here on Monday.
Bam, his father Kantilal and others are accused in a case that was registered in October 2007.
On April 5 this year, the victim filed an application in the court of the judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) seeking adding of section 307 after alleging that one of the accused had fired on him.
The plea was accepted on April 24 and Bam and his father have been asked to appear in a sessions court on May 10.
"What is the message in all this? Don't people from Indore have the right to use their vote? If you believe in democracy, please stand up against this dictatorship. This is not just about Congress and BJP. Anyone who wants to vote, and keep reservations and the Constitution strong must stand up," Patwari said.
Something similar happened in Surat in Gujarat, he added.
In Surat, BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was declared elected unopposed last week after Congress nominee Nilesh Kumbhani's form was rejected over irregularities in signature of proposers.
Patwari said the BJP is praising itself but what was the mistake of the people of Surat who wanted to elect an MP with the power of their vote.
Referring to leaders of various parties, including the Congress, joining the BJP, he alleged the ruling dispensation was misusing official machinery.
"Democracy and the Constitution are under threat," he asserted.
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Controversy surrounding book on Shivaji Maharaj 'unwarranted', says Fadnavis
Solapur (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday termed as "unwarranted" the controversy over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in which Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly made objectionable remarks against its publisher.
An audio clip surfaced last week on social media, in which Gaikwad was 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.
Talking to reporters here, CM Fadnavis, "The book was published in the 1980s. Have those who have raked up a controversy read the book? The stature of the warrior king is so big that no one can insult him. Whatever is happening is anti-social and insensitive."
The controversy over the book is unwarranted, he said, and cautioned against attempts to sensationalise issues merely to remain in the news.
When asked about the BJP's candidates for the upcoming legislative council polls, Fadnavis said appointments and candidate selections are decided by the party's parliamentary board, and not by him individually.
"All decisions will be taken as per the party process," he said, adding that discussions are ongoing and outcomes will be known after due deliberations.
Nine council members, including former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, are retiring on May 13. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India, polling will be held on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on the same day at 5 pm, and the entire process is expected to be completed by May 13.
The BJP has decided to contest four of the nine seats in the biennial elections.
On the sugar sector, he said the state has consistently achieved over 99 per cent of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) payments to farmers, though there may be minor fluctuations due to market conditions affecting sugar mills.
He added that the government has extended support to the sector and held meetings to address issues faced by factories. A committee has been formed to review post-season challenges and suggest policy measures, including possible assistance from the Centre.
