After facing flak, Maharashtra BJP president Danve expresses 'regret' over anti-farmer remarks

Speaking at a party function in Jalna, using derogatory language, Raosaheb Danve had said that in spite of the tur dal procurement farmers continue to crib.

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After facing flak, Maharashtra BJP president Danve expresses 'regret' over anti-farmer remarks
Raosaheb Danve

In Short

  • Maharashtra BJP president has finally expressed "regrets" over his controversial statement.
  • He had said that in spite of the tur dal procurement farmers continue to crib.
  • Danve statement drew large scale resentment.

Under fire over using abusive remarks for farmers, Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve has finally expressed "regrets" over his controversial statement.

Speaking at a party function in Jalna, using derogatory language, Raosaheb Danve had said that in spite of the tur dal procurement farmers continue to crib.

Danve statement drew large scale resentment. Opposition parties along with BJP's ally in power Shiv Sena launched a scathing attack on the state BJP president. While the Congress demanded an apology, Shiv Sena launched a statewide agitation against Danve. Shiv Sena workers undertook a "jutey maro andolan" in Osmanabad, Nashik, Shirdi and other parts of the state.

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"Danve's statement is worse than that of a danav (demon)," said Shiv Sena's spokesperson Manisha Kayande.

The Opposition too targeted Danve warning of a statewide agitation. Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and President of the MPCC, Ashok Chavan called the statement as sheer arrogance of power.

"At a time when farmers are facing problems over tur dal procurement, thousands have committed suicides, someone like Danve, rather than helping farmers, has made such a derogatory statement and has rubbed salt on the wounds. The BJP and Danve should apologise for insulting farmers,"Chavan said.

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar too took a dig at the BJP state president's statement.

Addressing party office bearers in Mumbai , Pawar said, "I don't think the demand to remove Danve (over his statements) is right, people like him make things easy for us. He should stay there as it is in the benefit of our party."

MNS supremo Raj Thackeray too criticised the BJP for Danve's remarks.

"Expectation are from MANAV (human Beings) not from DANAV ( demons) of BJP," Raj said in a statement issued by his party.

After the onslaught of criticism, BJP president finally issued a statement just stopping short of a full fledged apology.

"It was a communication between me and my party workers at Jalna. I never used any derogatory or cuss words for farmers. I am born in a farmer's family and know the pain of farmers. I have worked for farmers for last 35 years. My communication with party workers is being misconstrued as words used for farmers. I can never abuse farmers. But, even if I have inadvertently hurt their sentiments, I express regrets," Danve's statement read.

Also read:

Tur crisis: Chavan urges PM to recall 2 Mah ministers on junket

As Maharashtra farmers face crisis, ministers go on foreign tour

Danve asks farmers to stop complaining over tur dal;draws flak