BJP leader Vasantrao Deshmukh has come under fire for allegedly making derogatory comments about Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat's daughter, Jayshree Thorat. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from leaders of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi and have also been condemned by the Maharashtra BJP itself.
According to news agency PTI, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule called for immediate action against Deshmukh, stating, “The police should take appropriate steps. Jayshree is like our daughter even though we have political differences with her father. We will not tolerate such insults and will take action.”
Deshmukh made the controversial remarks at an event organised by BJP leader Sujay Vikhe Patil in Sangamner, located in the Ahilyanagar district, on Friday. Following the incident, tensions escalated in Sangamner as Congress workers and supporters of Thorat protested by tearing down banners of Vikhe Patil.
In response to the derogatory remarks, Jayshree Thorat, a doctor and active campaigner for her father, expressed her dismay, saying, “What have I done that I am being spoken about in such a shameful manner? I have been campaigning for my father by organising youth conclaves in the constituency. Even if the people who have spoken about me are opponents, there should be a standard for criticism.”
Balasaheb Thorat, who is currently in Mumbai, assured supporters that his daughter could handle the situation in Sangamner. He added, “My workers assured me that they will take care of Sangamner as the party had given me the responsibility of the state, and I should devote my time to it.” Thorat also accused Vikhe Patil of orchestrating Deshmukh's comments, PTI reported.
Maharashtra Congress Chief Demands ECI Action As MVA Allies Condemn BJP's Vasantrao Deshmukh
State Congress chief Nana Patole also called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take note of the incident and act against both Deshmukh and Vikhe Patil. He stated, “The language used by Deshmukh reflects the BJP's real attitude towards women.” According to PTI, Patole alleged that Vikhe Patil's follower had threatened, “During the election, once we step into the battlefield, your daughter will not be able to step out of the house,” while Vikhe Patil was present on stage.
“Only people from the BJP can use such language about women. This is their culture, as demonstrated by leaders ranging from Brij Bhushan to lower-level party workers,” he remarked.
Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) state president Jayant Patil condemned the BJP's stance, claiming that the remarks expose the party's true attitude towards women. He remarked, “On one hand, they speak of 'laadki bahin', and on the other hand, they use derogatory language against women,” warning that women would respond to such comments at the ballot box.
Aaditya Thackeray, a leader from Shiv Sena (UBT), shared a video of Deshmukh's comments on X, labelling the incident as “Shameful! This is BJP's politics… Should it be accepted?”
Bawankule stressed the BJP's disapproval of Deshmukh's remarks, asserting that the party would take strict action.