The political confrontation between Maharashtra’s ruling alliance and the Congress intensified on Wednesday after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers launched protests over an alleged derogatory remark aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Demonstrations erupted outside the Congress office near Tilak Bhavan, where party workers demanded an unconditional apology from Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal.
NCP Workers Stage Protest, Throw Ink On Sapkal’s Photograph
The agitation turned dramatic as NCP supporters allegedly splashed ink on a photograph of Harshwardhan Sapkal during the protest. Protesters also brought a donkey to the demonstration, using it as a symbolic gesture to condemn what they described as an insult to the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister.
The demonstration followed similar protests held a day earlier outside the Congress office in Colaba, Mumbai, where NCP workers accused the opposition party of disrespecting women leaders.
‘Insult To Every Woman’: Eknath Shinde Targets Congress
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly criticised the alleged remarks, accusing the Congress of repeatedly insulting women for political gains.
Addressing reporters, Shinde said, “Sunetra Pawar is Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister. I can’t understand what has happened to the Congress. In 2024, they similarly insulted our Ladli sisters by using derogatory language. The women of Maharashtra gave them a befitting reply and taught them a lesson.”
He further alleged that the comments were not merely directed at Sunetra Pawar but amounted to an insult to women across Maharashtra, and urged the Congress to apologise immediately.
How The Controversy Began
The political dispute began after the Congress allegedly referred to Sunetra Pawar as “Gungi Gudiya” during an ongoing political exchange. The remark triggered sharp criticism from leaders of the Mahayuti alliance, with the NCP accusing the Congress of crossing the limits of political discourse.
The controversy gained momentum after the Congress shared a social media post reportedly showing NCP leader Dhananjay Munde responding to media questions while Sunetra Pawar stood beside him during a discussion on the law-and-order situation in Beed district.
Political War Of Words Intensifies
The episode has further widened the rift between the ruling alliance and the Congress, with both sides exchanging allegations over political conduct and public messaging. While the NCP continues to press for a formal apology, the controversy has become the latest flashpoint in Maharashtra’s increasingly heated political landscape.
