Shiv Sena Files Case Against Congress Leader Alok Sharma for Insulting Marathi People; Writes to Rahul Gandhi

Mumbai, August 27: A Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde faction leader on Friday filed a case against Congress spokesperson Alok Sharma for allegedly insulting the people of the state during a TV debate. Rahool N Kanal, who accused Sharma of calling "Marathi community rapist", reached a local police station along with his supporters and filed the case against the Congress spokesperson.

In a debate on Aajtak channel, Congress spokesperson Alok Sharma, while responding to a question on the Badlapur assault case, asked his BJP counterpart whether his party would also protect "Marathi manoos (people)" if they rape women.

मराठी माणसाला बलात्कारी म्हणणाऱ्या काँग्रेस पक्षाचे प्रवक्ते आलोक शर्मा यांचा आणि त्यावर मराठी माणसाचा अपमान होऊनही तोंड बंद ठेवणाऱ्या उबाठाचा जाहीर निषेध !#congressinsultsmarathimanuspic.twitter.com/jhEVJ8DGcP

— Shivsena - शिवसेना (@Shivsenaofc) August 23, 2024

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske has also written to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, demanding the immediate removal of Alok Sharma from the position of Congress spokesperson for his "offensive comments" against Marathi society.

"I am writing to bring to your attention the recent remarks made by Congress Party Spokesperson Alok Sharma regarding the Marathi community. During a discussion on a news channel, Sharma made deeply offensive comments, describing Marathi society in derogatory terms.

Also Read | Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Committee Report Blames School Administration and Local Police.

"On behalf of the Shiv Sena Party, I strongly condemn these statements, which are not only inappropriate but also harmful," Mhaske said in his letter to Rahul Gandhi. He said that Marathi identity is central to Shiv Sena's values and mission.

"Shiv Sena was founded by our esteemed leader, Balasaheb Thackeray, to advocate for the rights and dignity of the Marathi people. It is therefore imperative for Congress leaders to understand that Shiv Sena will not tolerate any form of insult directed at the Marathi community," Mhaske wrote.

मराठी माणसाचा बलात्कारी असा उल्लेख करून काँग्रेस पक्षाचे प्रवक्ते आलोक शर्मा यांनी तमाम मराठी माणसांचा आणि महाराष्ट्राचा अपमान केला आहे. याच वक्तव्याचा निषेध नोंदवत शिवसेनेचे सोशल मीडिया राज्यप्रमुख आणि युवासेनेचे सरचिटणीस मा.श्री. राहुल कनाल यांनी मुंबई पोलिसांकडे केलेल्या… pic.twitter.com/PsTrE2tLTP

— Shivsena - शिवसेना (@Shivsenaofc) August 23, 2024

Mhaske said that Shiv Sena has lodged a formal complaint with the police against Alok Sharma for his alleged remarks. "Such remarks, directed at any community, signify a lack of civility and respect. We believe that Alok Sharma's continued role as Congress spokesperson is unacceptable and call for his immediate removal from this position," he said.

"We urge you (Rahul) to address this issue promptly and demonstrate sensitivity towards all communities," he added in the letter.