Maharashtra Election: Nana Patole’s ‘Dog’ Remark Sparks Controversy; BJP Hits Back

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday criticized Congress leader Nana Patole over his controversial “dog” remark, suggesting it reflects the frustration within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly election. “They are moving from disappointment to dejection,” said BJP leader Kirit Somaiyya. “Sharad Pawar is making statements, Uddhav Thackeray is attacking the Election Commission, and now Congress, under Rahul Gandhi, is calling the BJP a ‘kutta’ (dog) because opinion polls indicate a majority for the Mahayuti alliance. Their frustration is evident,” Somaiyya added.

BJP Accuses Congress of an ‘Emergency Mindset’

BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari alleged that Patole’s comments stem from his frustration over Congress’ dim prospects in the election. “Nana Patole is frustrated because he senses the Congress will not form the government in Maharashtra. His remark about taming the BJP as dogs reveals the Congress’ ‘Emergency’ mindset. It shows their desire to control, silence, and file cases against their rivals if they come to power,” Bhandari told.

Nana Patole’s Controversial Comment

Campaigning for a candidate in Maharashtra’s Akola district on Monday, Congress state chief Nana Patole launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of arrogance and mistreatment of the OBC community. “Will the OBC people of Akola vote for a party that calls them dogs? It’s time to make the BJP a dog now; they have become too arrogant,” Patole reportedly said.

Patole’s remark has sparked fresh controversy, following recent heated comments in the political arena. Days earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant had allegedly referred to Shaina NC, a politician who switched allegiance from BJP to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, as “imported maal.”

The Maharashtra assembly election is set to take place on November 20, with the results expected on November 23. The ongoing verbal spats and provocative comments have added to the tense political atmosphere as the state gears up for the polls.