Actor Riteish Deshmukh campaigned for his younger brother and Congress candidate Dhiraj Vilasrao Deshmukh ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections. In a rally in Latur Rural, the actor attacked the BJP for "emphasising" religion in its campaign.
"Work is Dharma. Performing duties diligently is Karma, and that itself is Dharma. Those who work honestly embody Dharma, but those who do not work use religion as a shield," Riteish said.
He said political parties claim that religion is in danger by calling on people to "save religion" and "protect Dharma".' Riteish argued that these parties are actually seeking protection for their own political interests, disguising their needs under the guise of religion.
We Will Take Care Of Dharma: Riteish Deshmukh
"Tell those who preach religion that we will take care of Dharma; instead, let's talk about real issues that affect our lives," he said at the rally. "Ask them what price they'll ensure for our crops, whether our mothers and sisters are truly safe," he added.
Dhiraj Deshmukh will take on BJP's Ramesh Karad in the Latur Rural seat. In 2019, Dhiraj got 1.35 lakh votes (67.64 PC), while the second-highest votes went to NOTA polling 27,500 (13.78 pc). Dhiraj Deshmukh is the son of the late Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.
He expressed confidence in his brothers to take on the responsibilities of the region. The voting for the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly will take place on November 20. The counting of votes will held on November 23.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Congress intensified disciplinary action against anti-party activities ahead of the November 20 Assembly elections and suspended 28 rebel candidates for six years. These candidates from 22 assembly constituencies are in the fray against the official nominees of the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
This decision has been taken on directives of AICC in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, a Congress statement said. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had said that all party rebels contesting against the official MVA candidates would face a six-year suspension.