Nitesh Rane accuses Abhijeet Dipke of insulting Shivaji Maharaj, demands apology ahead of CJP protest
BJP leader Nitesh Rane objected to images posted by Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, a day before the party's Mumbai protest.
The political temperature has risen ahead of the protest the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) plans in Mumbai tomorrow, Friday, October 2. Leaders of the Mahayuti have been commenting extensively on the protest, and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has now joined in.
Rane sharply criticised CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. He alleged that Dipke had posted a photograph on social media that insults Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Rane demanded that Dipke apologise for it.
Rane said, "We have no objection to Abhijeet Dipke's protest, but we object to the people he supports and to the images being used to publicise the protest."
Referring to a photograph posted by Dipke, Rane claimed that it showed "cockroaches" in place of the Mavlas beneath Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He called it an insult to Maharaj and said, "No Shiv devotee or patriot in Mumbai will tolerate this insult."
Rane also objected to a second image. He claimed it showed the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the feet of Mahatma Gandhi. He demanded that Dipke explain these images and apologise.
Rane also targeted Dipke over the issue of support for Umar Khalid. He asked, "Who exactly is this protest for?" and questioned the role of the protest.
Rane also said, "There is democracy in Maharashtra, nobody is afraid. If you want to protest, go ahead, but we will not tolerate an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj."
The CJP has announced the protest for October 2 in Mumbai. Its main demand is the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The CJP has also objected to issues related to the election process and to the SIR. Mumbai Police had earlier refused permission for the proposed protest at Shivaji Park, and Dipke then announced a "Jail Bharo Andolan".
The CJP has said the protest is against the way the Election Commission functions and is meant to press for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Following Rane's statements, a fresh political controversy over the alleged insult to Shivaji Maharaj appears likely before the protest.
