Navneet Rana, a former BJP MP and prominent leader, faced a chaotic situation during an election rally in Maharashtra’s Amravati district. The rally, organised to support BJP ally Yuva Swabhiman Party candidate Ramesh Bundile in Khallar village, witnessed a violent turn when chairs were hurled at her, forcing her security team to intervene and escort her to safety.
The incident has added tension to the already heated election environment in the state. According to Rana, the disruption began with individuals chanting communal slogans and making obscene gestures during her speech.
She claimed that members of a specific community raised slogans like “Allah Hu Akbar,” which escalated into a full-blown commotion. After her address, chairs were reportedly thrown in her direction, posing a direct threat to her safety. Rana immediately approached the local police, expressing concerns over inadequate security arrangements at the event.
Following her complaint, the police registered a case against 40 to 45 people, detaining four individuals for further questioning. Charges of rioting, attempted murder, and atrocities have been filed against the accused. Local authorities have assured that investigations are underway, and additional security measures, including a police checkpoint in the area, have been implemented to prevent further unrest.
Inspector Kiran Wankhade from the Crime Branch in Amravati emphasised that the situation is now under control and urged citizens to refrain from spreading or believing in rumours.
Rana has alleged that the attack was orchestrated by workers of Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, whose local leaders are said to have a stronghold in the area.
She accused the party of deliberately disrupting the rally, suggesting a political motive behind the violence. Rana called for strict action against the culprits, warning of widespread protests by Hindu organisations if swift arrests are not made.
The BJP leader also highlighted the potential danger posed to vulnerable attendees at the rally, including differently-abled individuals. She stressed the importance of ensuring peaceful and smooth elections in the state, condemning the actions of those who attempted to create chaos.
The clash comes amidst an already charged political atmosphere in Maharashtra, where the assembly elections are set to take place on November 20.
The elections feature a direct contest between the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, Sharad Pawar’s NCP, and the Congress. With voting scheduled for all 288 constituencies in a single phase, the results will be declared on November 23.
Follow us
