Sanjay Raut Slams Babanrao Lonikar: 'Maharashtra's People Are Self-Respecting'

BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar has once again sparked controversy with his latest remarks targeting youth who criticize the government on social media. Reacting strongly to his statement, Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) leader and Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut has condemned Lonikar's comments, calling them an insult to the self-respect of the people of Maharashtra.

In a recent speech, Lonikar had said,

“Some empty-headed youngsters sitting on the kerb write on social media that I am a blind devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. These same people forget that I have paid the salary of their mothers and the pension of their fathers. Prime Minister Modi has given ₹6,000 to your father for sowing. Even your clothes, shoes, and mobile phones are given by the government.”

These remarks have invited widespread backlash. Responding to this, Sanjay Raut stated:

“If someone says that 26 of my sisters in Pahalgam wiped their kumkum because of Modi, then the truth will come out. The people of Maharashtra are self-respecting, not helpless. Babanrao Lonikar must understand this.”

Raut further alleged that the BJP treats the citizens of Maharashtra as subordinates:

“BJP leaders consider the people of Maharashtra to be helpless, slaves at Modi’s feet. This mindset must change,” he said.

The verbal clash has intensified the political tension in Maharashtra, as leaders from across parties continue to react to Lonikar's controversial comments.