Political
The BJP stabbed us in the back.
Satara: Members of the District Council belonging to the NCP, Shiv Sena, Congress, and the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana boycotted the election for the post of District Council Ch...
airperson. All these members walked from the District Council building to Powai Naka, where they gathered in front of the statue of the late Yashwantrao Chavan. From there, they proceeded to stand before the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, where they registered their protest against the Chairperson's election. Furthermore, the members expressed their outrage, accusing the BJP of seizing power in the District Council by "stabbing them in the back."Staging a walkout from the District Council, all the members proceeded on foot toward Powai Naka. Standing before the statues of the "Architect of Modern Maharashtra"—the late Yashwantrao Chavan—and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the members registered their strong protest regarding the power struggle unfolding within the District Council. "The concept of local self-government institutions was envisioned by the late Yashwantrao Chavan. Saheb, if you are watching the politics of this district from wherever you may be, you too would be deeply saddened. Similarly, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fought battles to establish a 'Raiyat-raj' (rule for the common people). In this district of Satara, the BJP has undertaken the task of destroying those very values," the members articulated their grievances in these words.Speaking on the occasion, Anil Desai stated, "Today, once again, democracy has been murdered. As we were attempting to enter the District Council for the Chairperson's election, we were barred from entering through the main gate for half an hour. Just as with the elections for the President and Vice-President, we were prevented—with the assistance of the administration—from even filing our nomination forms for the Chairperson's election. We will continue to raise our voice against this injustice."Kavita Omble remarked, "Satara is a district of brave warriors—heroes who shed their blood for the defense of the nation. However, a bizarre brand of politics has been played out within the District Council. To uphold and preserve democracy, our leader was compelled to shed his blood." With the assistance of the administration, the BJP has snatched away a victory that represented the district's self-respect. We will now turn to the court of the people to seek justice. Strict action will be taken against the members who defected.Meanwhile, members of the Zilla Parishad staged vigorous protests on this occasion. "Shame! Shame upon the traitors! They seized power by stabbing us in the back, betrayed the trust of the people, and tarnished the ideals of Yashwantrao! The victory they wrested from us is no victory of theirs at all! We will take to the streets in protest; if necessary, we will approach the courts! Beat them with slippers—beat them with slippers! Beat the administration with slippers!"—such resounding slogans were raised by the members during the demonstration.
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