GG News Bureau
Pune, 10th Feb. In an alarming turn of events, journalist Nikhil Wagle faced an attack on Friday in Pune, allegedly orchestrated by BJP workers due to purported defamatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and veteran leader LK Advani.
The incident occurred in Pune’s Deccan area while Wagle was en route to address the “Nirbhay Bano” rally organized by Rashtra Seva Dal. Rioters targeted his car, pelting it with ink and causing damage to its windscreen and side panes.
Addressing the rally later, Wagle exhibited remarkable resilience, expressing forgiveness towards his assailants and highlighting this as the seventh assault he has endured. The alleged defamatory remarks were made following the announcement of Advani’s Bharat Ratna award.
A case has been filed against the 64-year-old journalist in Pune, based on a complaint lodged by BJP leader Sunil Deodhar, accusing Wagle of defamation and promoting enmity between groups.
Opposition’s Retaliation
The opposition in Maharashtra condemned the attack on Wagle’s car, launching a scathing critique against the ruling BJP. Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule condemned the incident, questioning the BJP’s apparent endorsement of such violence.
Expressing dismay over the situation, Sule questioned the inaction of the police during the attack, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut echoed similar sentiments, alleging further instances of violence against women affiliated with the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition by BJP members.
Responding to the uproar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that the police would take stringent action against those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations.
However, he also emphasized the need to refrain from making derogatory remarks against senior leaders, urging for restraint and decorum in public discourse.
