Nagpur BJP Candidate Attacked, Fadnavis and Gadkari Condemn Incident
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a strong warning on Thursday following a violent attack on BJP candidate Bhushan Shingne in Nagpur. Fadnavis stated that goons attempted to kill Shingne and vowed that those responsible would face severe consequences. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also visited the scene, calling the incident a dark stain on the city's political culture.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Bhushan Shingne, who is contesting the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections from Prabhag No. 18, was allegedly attacked by Congress workers late Wednesday night. The assault occurred around midnight, sending shockwaves through the political community. Fadnavis and Gadkari personally visited Shingne's residence on Thursday to assess the situation and show solidarity.
Fadnavis described Shingne as both a senior party worker and a personal friend. He emphasized that the attack appeared premeditated and brutal. "Goons attacked and attempted to kill Shingne. You can see his hand is broken," the Chief Minister revealed. He added that several other individuals sustained injuries during the violent episode. "They attempted to spread terror," Fadnavis asserted, highlighting the intimidating nature of the incident.
Political Accusations and Responses
According to Fadnavis, the trouble began when Shingne received information about alleged money distribution during polling activities. Shingne proceeded to Gorewada along with fellow party workers to investigate the claims. BJP leaders have directly accused Congress workers of orchestrating the attack. The Congress party has not yet issued any official response to these serious allegations.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed deep dismay over the violent episode. He termed the incident "very unfortunate" and stressed that political differences should never escalate into physical violence. "In Nagpur, we follow different ideologies, but our relations with opposition members are always cordial. Such enmity should not exist," Gadkari stated firmly. He went further to characterize the assault as nothing less than a "murder attempt."
Medical Treatment and Political Reactions
Gadkari provided details about Shingne's medical condition following the attack. The BJP candidate underwent comprehensive MRI and CT scans at Kingsway Hospital before being discharged and transported home. BJP MLA Pravin Datke and city president Dayashankar Tiwari promptly reached the hospital to offer support and monitor the situation.
Fadnavis took the opportunity to contrast the BJP's political approach with what he described as alien tactics of intimidation and violence. "Our party workers will not do this, and the public will also respond to such terror through their ballot boxes," he declared confidently. The Chief Minister also raised concerns about the initial police response to the complaint, suggesting it appeared inadequate. "After investigating and filing a complaint, cops didn't take the matter seriously. We will probe this lapse from the cops. No criminal should escape unpunished," Fadnavis warned. He concluded with a stern message that anyone attempting to harm party workers in this manner would face inevitable consequences.
