Mumbai, August 4: Senior Congress leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) member Bhai Jagatap has responded to various issues, including India’s performance in the Commonwealth Games, comments from former boxer Vijender Singh, and the case involving former BJP MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh. He also addressed the Bankipur by-election, the Ram Mandir donation controversy, the Siddhivinayak Temple donation issue, alleged tensions within Maharashtra’s Mahayuti government, and questions surrounding social activist Abhijit Deepake. Jagatap sharply criticized the BJP, stating that the political atmosphere in the country is changing, and the public is sending a clear message against the party.
Regarding India’s performance in the Commonwealth Games and the alleged silence of Rahul Gandhi and Congress, Jagatap defended Vijender Singh, stating that he is a respected athlete who should not view every issue through a political lens. Congress leaders have congratulated athletes on their medals through social media. Rahul Gandhi has consistently fought for athletes’ interests and raised their voices.
Jagatap questioned Vijender Singh, noting that when female wrestlers were protesting against alleged harassment and demanding justice, there was no vocal response from him. He emphasized that everyone should raise their voice equally on issues concerning athletes’ dignity.
On the acquittal of Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, Jagatap remarked that anything seems possible in the current climate. Complaints from female athletes who bravely spoke out about alleged harassment should have been taken seriously. While he refrained from commenting on the judiciary, he expressed surprise at recent judicial orders. The allegations made by female athletes who have brought glory to the country should not be overlooked.
Concerning the Bankipur by-election results, Jagatap claimed that they signal a shift in public sentiment against the BJP. The party has previously relied on the Election Commission and EVMs to win elections, but the public is now aware. He stated that these results mark the beginning of the BJP’s countdown. He also congratulated Prashant Kishor, noting that democratic consciousness is strengthening in the country.
On the alleged controversy surrounding donations for the Ram Mandir and the FIRs filed against Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, and Avadhesh Prasad, Jagatap accused the BJP of playing with public sentiments in the name of the Ram Mandir. He argued that filing FIRs in response to symbolic issues raised by opposition leaders reflects political frustration. The public is watching, and they will respond politically in the future. The filing of FIRs will not erase allegations of irregularities, and if any wrongdoing occurred, it will eventually come to light.
Regarding the allegations about donations at the Siddhivinayak Temple, Jagatap stated that if factual accusations have been made, a fair investigation should be conducted. Maharashtra is a land of saints and religious traditions, and the faith of devotees at major religious sites like Siddhivinayak and Mumba Devi is paramount. If there are concerns about financial irregularities, a thorough investigation should be carried out, and action should be taken against those responsible.
On discussions of tensions within Maharashtra’s Mahayuti government, Jagatap indicated that if actions are taken against the government’s own members, it would clearly signal existing differences within the coalition. If conflicts arise among the three-party government’s allies, it suggests that not everything is normal.
Referring to Abhijit Deepake and the student movements led by him, Jagatap noted that they have attempted to bend the government through non-violent democratic movements, which is a significant victory for democracy. Accountability can also be established through constitutional and Gandhian methods, and this movement has sent a new message to the youth across the country.
Regarding the RTI questions about Abhijit Deepake’s assets and his studies in the United States, Jagatap stated that if someone has requested information, they should receive a response. Deepake has been studying abroad for nearly two years, and his parents have invested their life savings in his education. The RTI Act was created for transparency, but often, the public does not receive information related to the government and ministers. Therefore, RTI should not be misused, and there should be no discrimination in providing information.
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