Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole sparks row with 'dog' jibe at BJP; party hits back

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole has sparked a fresh row with controversial remarks against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), prompting a strong rebuttal from the party.

Speaking at a rally in Akola, Patole said, "I would like to ask, would you—the OBCs of Akola district—vote for BJP that calls you 'kutta' (dog)?... It is time to make BJP a 'kutta'.("I want to ask, will the OBC people of Akola district vote for the BJP who are calling you dogs? It is time to make the BJP a dog now; they have become so arrogant.")

Bharatiya Janata Party hit back at Patole's 'dog' remarks terming it as Congress' frustration before the state assembly elections.

Read also: 'Power Jihad is defining theme of Mahayuti,' says Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya said that these statements demonstrate the Maha Vikas Aghadi opposition alliance's declining state.

"They are going from disappointment to dejection. Sharad Pawar is saying something; Uddhav Thackeray is verbally abusing Election Commission. Now, Rahul Gandhi's Congress is calling the BJP a 'kutta' because opinion polls show a clear majority for Mahayuti. So, I can understand their disappointment," the BJP leader told news agency ANI.

Read also: Nana Patole accuses BJP of spreading lies about minority reservations

Patole's "dog" remark comes days after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant allegedly called former BJP leader Shaina NC, who joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, as "imported maal."

Commenting on her party switch, Sawant said, "Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she went to another party. Imported 'maal' doesn't work here; only original 'maal' does." Sawant subsequently apologised for his discriminatory comment.

As November 20, the election date, draws near, political tensions are escalating between the two primary alliances, the Mahayuti (BJP-led) and MVA, as they prepare for an intense electoral battle. The vote count is scheduled for November 23.

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