Viral Video Of Nana Patole Ignites Political Row
A Guru Pournima ceremony involving senior Congress leader Nana Patole has snowballed into a political controversy after a video showing two men washing his feet went viral on social media. The footage has triggered sharp reactions, with the BJP attacking the Congress leader, while Patole defended the ritual as a personal gesture of respect by younger members of his family.
The video shows Patole seated on a sofa as two men perform a traditional foot-washing ritual, offering flowers and fruits as part of the ceremony. The visuals quickly spread online, fuelling political criticism and public debate.
BJP Targets Patole, Calls It ‘Congress Culture’
Reacting to the viral video, Maharashtra Revenue Minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule criticised the Congress, claiming the incident reflected the party’s political culture.
“It is the culture of Congress leaders to indulge in such activities. They should have learnt lessons from such incidents. Why indulge in such practices where you will only earn criticism and negative publicity and nothing else?” Bawankule said.
Patole Defends Ritual, Says It Was A Family Gesture
Responding to the criticism, Nana Patole maintained that he had neither asked nor encouraged anyone to perform the ritual. He said the ceremony took place on Guru Pournima after two younger members of his extended family insisted on honouring him.
“That day was Guru Pournima. Two younger members of my family were present. They insisted that they consider me their Guru and wanted to do this as a mark of respect. I did not ask anyone to do it,” Patole said.
Congress Leader Hits Back Over Temple Donation Controversy
Patole also countered the BJP’s criticism by referring to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
“Those who loot donation funds have no right to lecture us on culture and traditions,” Patole remarked, taking a swipe at the ruling party.
Political Debate Intensifies
The viral video has intensified the political exchange between the BJP and the Congress in Maharashtra, with both parties using the incident to target each other. While the BJP has questioned the symbolism of the ritual, the Congress leader has maintained that it was a voluntary act rooted in tradition and family respect rather than a display of political superiority.
