Tensions flared in Pune as journalist Nikhil Wagle’s car was vandalized allegedly by BJP workers on Friday, following remarks deemed defamatory towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and veteran leader LK Advani. The incident, which occurred in Pune’s Deccan area, has sparked outrage, with opposition parties slamming the ruling BJP for the attack.
According to reports, unidentified individuals threw ink at Wagle’s car while he was en route to address the “Nirbhay Bano” rally organized by Rashtra Seva Dal. The attack left his car’s windscreen and side panes damaged, marking the latest in a series of assaults against the journalist.
Addressing the gathering at the rally, Wagle displayed remarkable resilience, stating, “I forgive all those who attacked me. I have been attacked six times earlier and this was the seventh.”
The purported cause behind the attack stems from remarks made by Wagle on social media platforms criticizing the decision to honor LK Advani with the Bharat Ratna. A complaint filed by BJP leader Sunil Deodhar led to the registration of a case against Wagle, accusing him of defamation and inciting enmity between groups.
In response to the incident, opposition leaders condemned the BJP’s alleged role in orchestrating the attack. Nationalist Congress Party’s Supriya Sule condemned the incident, questioning who granted the BJP the “license to riot.” She criticized the police for their alleged inaction during the attack, emphasizing the importance of countering ideas with dialogue rather than resorting to violence.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut echoed similar sentiments, alleging that BJP workers targeted several women activists of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which comprises Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP. He denounced the attack as a “brazen bid to murder democracy” and pledged the MVA’s resilience in the face of such aggression.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that the police would take action against anyone involved in unlawful activities, even if they are affiliated with the BJP. While acknowledging the gravity of derogatory remarks made against senior leaders, Fadnavis reiterated the need to address grievances through lawful means rather than resorting to violence.
As tensions escalate in the aftermath of the attack, calls for accountability and restraint resonate, underscoring the imperative of upholding democratic values and fostering civil discourse amidst divergent viewpoints.
Sources By Agencies
