MUMBAI: The ruling coalition in Maharashtra on Thursday spoke in different voices over Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad tearing posters bearing Babasaheb Ambedkar's photo during a protest.
Awhad had taken part in a protest in Mahad in Raigad district against the state government's reported plan to include some verses from Manusmriti in the school curriculum. He had earlier said that the ancient text supports the caste system and denigrates women and asked people to protest against the decision.
Controversy arose after a video of that protest showed Awhad tearing down a stack of posters, which also had Ambedkar's photo on them.
While the BJP held protests across Maharashtra against Awhad, state minister and Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal told reporters in Nashik that the MLA had accidentally torn the poster and should be forgiven. .Bhujbal said, "Awhad's intention in going to Mahad was good. He unknowingly and accidentally tore the poster of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Others also followed him. However, he has apologized in this matter. Hence, his sentiments should be understood.,
Bhujbal said that criticizing him just because he is an opponent is not right. He said that he was also against including Manusmriti in the school curriculum.
Bhujba said, "Those who oppose Manusmriti and its contents should not move to any other subject. Manusmriti cannot be included in the school curriculum."
Hitting back, BJP MLC Praveen Darekar said, “It is unfortunate that Bhujbal, who claims to have secular views, is sympathizing with the person who tore Babasaheb Ambedkar's poster.Bhujbal's stance is inappropriate and I don't know with what knowledge he is making such a statement."
Darekar said, "Our leader (Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis) has already made it clear that no part of Manusmriti will be included in the state curriculum. Despite this, Awhad protested on this matter."
Meanwhile, Awhad's MLA colleague Rohit Pawar said the BJP was holding the protest to divert people's attention from the Porsche car accident case in Pune.Pawar said, "Jitendra Awhad has immediately apologized for the unintentional mistake during the protest. However, the BJP is deliberately conducting a statewide agitation against him to divert people's attention from the disgrace caused by the Pune Porsche car accident." On social media platform X.
"Since when did BJP become so affectionate towards Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar? I sincerely love and respect him, will it have the courage to openly burn copies of Manusmriti?" Asked the Karjat-Jamkhed MLA.
Two IT professionals were killed in Pune's Kalyani Naga on the morning of May 19 when a Porsche, allegedly driven by a drunken minor, hit their two-wheeler.
Awhad had taken part in a protest in Mahad in Raigad district against the state government's reported plan to include some verses from Manusmriti in the school curriculum. He had earlier said that the ancient text supports the caste system and denigrates women and asked people to protest against the decision.
Controversy arose after a video of that protest showed Awhad tearing down a stack of posters, which also had Ambedkar's photo on them.
While the BJP held protests across Maharashtra against Awhad, state minister and Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal told reporters in Nashik that the MLA had accidentally torn the poster and should be forgiven. .Bhujbal said, "Awhad's intention in going to Mahad was good. He unknowingly and accidentally tore the poster of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Others also followed him. However, he has apologized in this matter. Hence, his sentiments should be understood.,
Bhujbal said that criticizing him just because he is an opponent is not right. He said that he was also against including Manusmriti in the school curriculum.
Bhujba said, "Those who oppose Manusmriti and its contents should not move to any other subject. Manusmriti cannot be included in the school curriculum."
Hitting back, BJP MLC Praveen Darekar said, “It is unfortunate that Bhujbal, who claims to have secular views, is sympathizing with the person who tore Babasaheb Ambedkar's poster.Bhujbal's stance is inappropriate and I don't know with what knowledge he is making such a statement."
Darekar said, "Our leader (Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis) has already made it clear that no part of Manusmriti will be included in the state curriculum. Despite this, Awhad protested on this matter."
Meanwhile, Awhad's MLA colleague Rohit Pawar said the BJP was holding the protest to divert people's attention from the Porsche car accident case in Pune.Pawar said, "Jitendra Awhad has immediately apologized for the unintentional mistake during the protest. However, the BJP is deliberately conducting a statewide agitation against him to divert people's attention from the disgrace caused by the Pune Porsche car accident." On social media platform X.
"Since when did BJP become so affectionate towards Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar? I sincerely love and respect him, will it have the courage to openly burn copies of Manusmriti?" Asked the Karjat-Jamkhed MLA.
Two IT professionals were killed in Pune's Kalyani Naga on the morning of May 19 when a Porsche, allegedly driven by a drunken minor, hit their two-wheeler.
