Pune, India: The tension escalated as Kasba MLA Ravindra Dhangekar condemned a violent attack on senior journalist Nikhil Wagle, sparking sharp criticism against the BJP. Dhangekar demanded stringent action, calling for police to invoke Section 307 against the BJP workers responsible for the assault.
Emphasizing the rich legacy of Maharashtra, Dhangekar stated, “This Maharashtra will not tolerate attacks on social reformers and intellectuals on its soil.” He affirmed that the people of Maharashtra would not stand for the oppression of intellectuals and activists.
The incident took place during the ‘Nirbhay Bano’ meeting at the Sane Guruji Memorial in Pune, where senior journalist Nikhil Wagle, social activist Vishwambhar Chaudhary, and advocate Asim Sarode were set to speak out against growing oppression in the country and in favor of democracy. However, the event was disrupted by some BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP party activists who vandalized journalist Wagle’s car.
MLA Ravindra Dhangekar condemned the cowardly assault and questioned the BJP’s motives in a democratic society where freedom of expression should be upheld without fear. Alleging a premeditated attack orchestrated by the BJP with the collusion of police and the incitement of youth from Scheduled Classes, Dhangekar decried the incident as tarnishing the ideological and cultural fabric of Pune.
Dhangekar affirmed that Punekars would not remain silent until justice is served and urged for decisive action against the BJP. The incident has stirred controversy and raised concerns about the safety of journalists and activists in the region, prompting calls for accountability and justice. The condemnation and demand for action from MLA Dhangekar have sparked a debate on the importance of protecting the freedom of expression and ensuring the safety of those who speak out against oppression and in favor of democracy.