BJP MLC says ‘if time comes, will demolish Shiv Sena Bhavan’, then retracts remark
Mumbai, Aug 1: A Maharashtra BJP legislator's reported remark about the Shiv Sena headquarters has sparked off a verbal duel between the two parties, with Sena leader Sanjay Raut saying on Sunday that Marathi 'manoos' (person) would not spare the drug-addict politicians , while former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis asserting that if anyone attacks the BJP, it knows how to counter it.
Prasad Lad, a member of the state Legislative Council, had said during a BJP function on Saturday that the Shiv Sena Bhavan, the party's headquarters at Dadar in central Mumbai would be demolished if needed.
He had later expressed regret saying that his statement was presented out of context by the media. He also withdrew the remarks.
In his clarification, Lad had later said in a video statement, I have the highest regard for the late Balasaheb Thackeray and I consider Sena Bhavan as a sacred abode. How can I speak against the Sena Bhavan? What I meant was that the BJP is a major power and it will prove its might against political rival Sena in the upcoming BMC polls. Last month, the Sena had attacked our activists outside the Sena Bhavan. So it was a political reply. It was certainly not directed at the Sena supremo or the Bhavan .
However, the remarks led to a verbal duel between leaders from the two parties, which were once ruling allies.
Raut, who is Shiv Sena's chief spokesperson and a Rajya Sabha member, took a dig at the BJP saying there was an urgent need to undertake a drug de-addiction programme in Maharashtra.
Otherwise, Marathi manoos on the footpath of Shiv Sena Bhavan will not spare these drug-addict politicians. Shiv Sena Bhavan is a shining symbol of Marathi identity Samajhne walo ko ishara kafi hai (A hint is enough for the one who understands), he said.
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena president and state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, while speaking during a function in Mumbai, said that the language of intimidation will not be tolerated and a befitting reply will be given to those speaking it.
Nobody should speak the language of slapping us as we will give back such a tight slap that the other person will not be able to get back on his feet, he said during a speech made at the event.
Thackeray's predecessor Fadnavis, who is the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, said that the BJP does not believe in tod-phod" (vandalism) and destructive politics was not its culture.
"We don't attack anybody first. But if somebody attacks us, we don't take it lying down. It is countered effectively," he said.
BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, son of Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane, targeted Raut on Twitter.
"You are right Raut saheb .Maharashtra needs to be drugs-free and this should start from Kalanagar, he said in a tweet.
Thackeray's private residence Matoshree is located in Kalanagar area of Mumbai's Bandra.
In June this year, clashes had broken out between Shiv Sena and BJP workers in Dadar area after the youth wing of the BJP had taken out a protest march against offensive remarks in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana' about the land deal controversy in Ayodhya.
The Shiv Sena, which was one of the oldest allies of the BJP, had forged an unlikely alliance with the NCP and the Congress after the 2019 state elections to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, after parting ways with the BJP over the issue of sharing the chief minister's post.
After a month-long political crisis, Uddhav Thackeray had taken oath as the chief minister in November 2019, while the BJP sat in the opposition.
Elections to the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is currently ruled by the Shiv Sena, will be held next year.
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Bihar minister Nitin Nabin appointed BJP's national working president
New Delhi (PTI): Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin was on Sunday appointed as the BJP national working president and is likely to eventually succeed JP Nadda as its national president, signalling a generational shift in the ruling party.
Nabin, 45, son of late Nabin Kishore Prasad Sinha -- a veteran BJP leader and former MLA -- is considered dynamic and ideologically rooted, and deeply committed to the organisation, party leaders said.
A five-time MLA, he represents Bankipur assembly constituency in Bihar and has served twice as a minister in the Bihar Government.
His tenures as a minister in Bihar and his role as the party incharge of Chhattisgarh have been truly outstanding and marked by his effective organisational leadership, they said.
The BJP parliamentary board picked Nabin for the post.
"Bharatiya Janata Party's parliamentary board has appointed Nitin Nabin, a minister in the Bihar government, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s national working president with immediate effect," BJP national general secretary Arun Singh said in a notification.
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Nabin, who belongs to the Kayastha community, is likely to succeed incumbent BJP chief Nadda and is one of the youngest leaders to occupy the post, the leaders said.
Nadda, 65, was appointed the BJP President in January 2020 and has already completed his full term. He was granted extensions to lead the party through the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Congratulating Nabin on his appointment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has distinguished himself as a "hardworking Karyakarta" and expressed confidence that his energy and dedication will strengthen the party.
"He is a young and industrious leader with rich organisational experience and has an impressive record as MLA as well as Minister in Bihar for multiple terms. He has diligently worked to fulfil people's aspirations.
"He is known for his humble nature and grounded style of working. I am confident that his energy and dedication will strengthen our Party in the times to come. Congratulations to him on becoming the BJP National Working President," PM Modi said on X.
Nabin has also worked extensively for Yuva Morcha. His appointment reflects the BJP’s focus on capable leadership and signals a generational shift, the leaders said.
BJP chief Nadda also greeted Nabin and said he was confident that the party would attain new heights under his leadership.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the dynamic BJP leader from the sacred land of knowledge and culture, Bihar, and Minister in the Bihar Government, Shri Nitin Nabin ji on his appointment as the National Working President of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
"I am fully confident that under the guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and your leadership, the organisation will reach new heights with the sentiments of nation-building and public service. Heartfelt best wishes for your illustrious and successful tenure," he said on X.
