During a gathering, Maharashtra BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar made controversial remarks by asserting that individuals who criticise his party and government should recognise that they are receiving` clothes, shoes, mobile devices, benefits from schemes and financial assistance for sowing, all owing to us.
While speaking at an event focused on the `Har Ghar Solar` scheme within his legislative constituency of Partur in Jalna district, central Maharashtra, the former state minister emphasised the welfare initiatives and developmental efforts undertaken by the BJP-led government. He further criticised opponents of his party, reported news agency PTI.
A video capturing Lonikar`s contentious comments emerged on social media on Thursday, provoking widespread criticism from opposition parties.
“There are a few people and especially the youth, who criticise us and our party on social media platforms. We gave overhead water tanks, concrete roads, function halls and benefits of various government schemes in your village,” he is heard telling the gathering, reported news agency PTI.
“Babanrao Lonikar gave salaries to mothers of those who criticise us and also sanctioned a pension for their fathers. (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi gave Rs 6,000 to your father for sowing (a reference to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi). Your sister is benefiting from the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The clothes, shoes, and mobile phones that you (BJP critics) have is because of us,” the MLA is heard saying in the video, reported news agency PTI.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, hit out at the BJP legislator for his tasteless remarks and dubbed him as an “indigenous version of the British”.
Speaking such a language is not good in a democracy, he noted.
“Your MLA status is because of the people. Your clothes, shoes, air tickets, leadership position, and diesel in your car are also because of the people,” Danve wrote on X while hitting out at the ruling party lawmaker, reported news agency PTI.
“People should remember these words (of Lonikar). Elections (of local bodies in the state) are coming,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further said.
(With inputs from PTI)
