BJP Demands Action Against Shiv Sena Leaders Over Meeting With Agitator Abhijeet Dipke

Signalling internal friction within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded action against two Shiv Sena leaders. The demand follows their recent meeting with Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, and his parents in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

State Revenue Minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday called on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to initiate strict action against the leaders involved. The two Shiv Sena figures under fire are Sanjay Shirsat, who serves as the District Guardian Minister of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Bachchu Kadu, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC).

BJP Expresses Displeasure Over Coalition Conduct

Bawankule stated that while the matter concerns the internal functioning of their alliance partner, Shinde must address the conduct of his party's leaders. He remarked that such behavior is highly inappropriate while working within the ruling Mahayuti coalition.

Echoing these concerns, BJP leader Pravin Darekar stated that the meeting has sent a wrong signal to the public. Darekar argued that while opposition protests are expected, it is improper for ruling coalition leaders to visit the home of an agitator who has attempted to tarnish the image of the government. He further alleged that Kadu's visit was motivated by a desire for publicity.

Warning that the incident could widen the rift between the Shiv Sena and the BJP, Darekar urged the senior leadership of the Shiv Sena to reprimand both Shirsat and Kadu.

Details of the Meetings in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The controversy stems from visits made to Dipke's residence last week. Shirsat was the first representative from the Mahayuti government to reach out, meeting Dipke's parents on July 26. This occurred before Dipke returned from New Delhi, where an agitation was called off following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

During his visit, Shirsat promised to seek official security cover for Dipke, stating he would personally request Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to provide protection to ensure no threat is posed to Dipke's life.

Following Shirsat's visit, Kadu met with Dipke on July 30 after the latter's return from New Delhi.

Shiv Sena Leaders Defend Their Actions

Both Shiv Sena leaders have defended their visits. Shirsat explained that his visit was personal rather than political, citing long-standing family relations with the Dipke family. He noted that he deliberately avoided visiting during the active protests to prevent political speculation, adding that his visit was simply to inquire about Dipke's health.

Kadu offered a more confrontational defense of his meeting, questioning why a ruling party member should be barred from meeting an activist. Describing himself as an agitator, Kadu argued that showing a mirror to the government on behalf of farmers is not wrong, and criticized the media for portraying agitators as criminals.

Kadu emphasized that he visited Dipke to congratulate him as a fellow activist, asserting that standing with those who fight transcends party affiliations and government roles.