Daijiworld Media Network - Beed

Beed, Nov 23: A political storm erupted in Beed after Maharashtra Congress president Harshavardhan Sapkal demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis undergo a narco test. Sapkal alleged that Fadnavis was responsible for fuelling caste-based conflicts across the State. “If a narco test is conducted on Fadnavis, the truth behind his divisive politics will come out,” he said.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Selu for the municipal elections, Sapkal recalled his visit to Beed six months ago during the ‘Sadbhavana Yatra’ and appealed to the people to reject caste politics. “The Chief Minister is creating rifts — Maratha versus OBC and Vimukta-Jati Nomadic Tribes versus Adivasis. He has several leaders in Beed under his control. This is the time to bury such caste-driven politics,” he said.

Sapkal urged people to uphold harmony by respecting all religions and supporting inclusive thinking. He also appealed to voters to ensure the victory of all officially nominated Congress candidates for municipal chairman and corporator posts.

The rally saw the presence of former minister Ashok Patil, district president Rahul Sonawane, Pradesh secretary Aditya Patil, former city chief Bahadur Bhai, taluka president Prakash Deshmukh, Prakash Munde, and several Congress leaders and workers.

Meanwhile, Sapkal’s remarks triggered sharp protests from the BJP in Selu. On Saturday, November 22, BJP workers staged a demonstration at Jintur Naka, condemning Sapkal’s comments. Led by BJP taluka president Ganesh Katkar, party workers and candidates waved black flags, stating that Sapkal had crossed limits. “His derogatory words about the Chief Minister are unacceptable,” BJP leaders said during the protest.