Wadettiwar Seeks Cases Against Rana, Bonde For False Claims To Incite Hatred

Mumbai: Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Sunday demanded that cases should be registered 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, asserting that crimes against women have no caste or religion. Mr. Wadettiwar termed Ms. Rana a “poisonous vine” being nurtured to spread caste hatred and incite conflict for political gain. Hitting back, Ms. Rana dismissed him as “chillar” (petty) and accused the Congress of nurturing “green poisonous snakes”.The remarks come amid a political uproar over the alleged sexual assault of minor girls in Amravati. Ms. Rana had earlier claimed that 150 Hindu girls, including minors, were targeted. However, the claims were later found to be unsubstantiated, reportedly causing embarrassment to the BJP leadership, which is said to have advised her to refrain from speaking to the media and instead submit evidence to the police investigating the case.Speaking to reporters, Mr. Wadettiwar said a case must be filed 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 offences should face the harshest punishment.Referring to the Amravati case, Mr. Wadettiwar also questioned the basis of Ms. Rana’s claims regarding the involvement of burqa-clad individuals, and accused her of repeatedly making communal and divisive remarks. He further alleged that despite her electoral defeat, she had not changed her approach.Mr. Wadettiwar also criticised Ms. Rana for not commenting on other cases, while reacting strongly when a Muslim youth was allegedly involved, calling such conduct “highly condemnable”. He further demanded action against Mr. Bonde for allegedly providing incorrect information in the case.Responding to the criticism, Ms. Rana said, “These are petty people. I do not need to respond. The Congress has nurtured ‘green poisonous snakes’, which are now being exposed. During their rule, such cases were suppressed. Under Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis, such elements will be dealt with.”The former MP also accused the Congress of lacking commitment to women’s issues, referring to its stance on the Women’s Reservation Bill, and said her critics should “look into their own homes before speaking”.Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar also expressed displeasure over the language used by the Congress leader against a woman politician.



Source link