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The MLA’s comments have reignited debates about the disconnect between politicians’ pre-election promises and their post-election behaviour, leaving many baffled.
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikawad (IANS)
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad stirred a controversy after he openly accused them of hawking votes for “mutton, alcohol, and cash”.
The legislator was addressing a public gathering in Buldana where he openly abused voters. Gaikawad further vented frustration over voters’ alleged behaviour during the elections, and went on to make an absurd comparison stating that “even prostitutes are better than them (voters).”
Maharashtra: While addressing a public gathering in Buldhana, MLA Sanjay Gaikwad says, “The voters here were sold for 2-5 thousand rupees, alcohol, and meat. Even a prostitute is better than that” pic.twitter.com/xyexdhQnbY— IANS (@ians_india) January 6, 2025
The video of his statement has since gone viral, drawing sharp criticism from all quarters. Defending his track record, Gaikwad said, “If I had lost the election, would the projects have been completed? I challenge you; not a single stone would have been laid. Today, I’ve done work worth &24 crores for Jaipur village alone. The development statistics I am citing will leave you stunned.”
The MLA’s comments have reignited debates about the disconnect between politicians’ pre-election promises and their post-election behaviour, leaving many baffled.
Opposition Condemns Remark
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar called out Gaikwad for his remarks on Maharashtra voters. He said, “I feel very bad hearing such a statement. We go and beg for votes from people and once elected, we use such names for those voters. In a democracy, people are the bosses and we are just servants and that too for 5 years…people voted for you so that you can serve them so don’t insult those voters and use such words, this is my appeal…”
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s purported statement, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar says, ” I feel very bad hearing such a statement. We go and beg for votes from people and once elected, we use such names for those voters. In a democracy, people… pic.twitter.com/EWaFbSUGyM— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025
Earlier Controversies
Gaikwad is not new to controversies last year Gaikwad sparked controversy over his statement on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Sena MLA had announced reward of {11 lakh to anyone who will “chop off the tongue” of Rahul Gandhi over his statements on reservation in the US.
‘You Don’t Own Me’: Ajit Pawar Tells Voters
Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar told the people of Baramati that they were not his boss just because they had voted for him. Pawar had gone to the city to understand the grievances being faced by the people there.
“Just because you voted for me, it doesn’t mean you have become my boss or owner. Have you made me a farm labourer now?” Pawar asked the crowd.
The BJP-led Mahayuti, which includes Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, secured 230 out of 288 assembly seats in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, retaining power in the state.
(With inputs from agencies)
