The case of exploitation of girls in a reputed school in Badlapur, adjacent to Mumbai, has now taken a political turn. Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde has alleged that yesterday’s gathering was politically motivated. On the other hand, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena party leader and former Badlapur Municipal Corporation president Vaman Mhatre made obscene comments while talking to a female journalist, which has angered people.
The female journalist was reporting about this incident for the last two-four days. Yesterday when angry people came on the railway track, the journalist was also present there. During this time, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) leader Vaman Mhatre made disgusting comments while talking to her.
The female journalist has claimed that while talking to her, Vaman Mhatre said that ‘you are reporting in such a way as if you have been raped’. When this matter came to light, people got angry on social media. The opposition has also attacked the government by raising questions on Vaman Mhatre’s language and his mentality.
What did the opposition leaders say?
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former minister Aditya Thackeray wrote on the social media platform X that ‘this statement is disgusting and he should be arrested immediately’. On the other hand, Nationalist Congress (Sharad Pawar) leader and MP Supriya Sule has also targeted the ruling party by questioning the language of Vaman Mhatre.
He wrote on Instagram, ‘The language of the workers of the people in power shows how serious the government is about the atrocities on girls. The government itself should file a case of outrage of modesty against the leader who used abusive words for a female journalist reporting on this matter.’
Who is Vaman Mhatre?
Vaman Mhatre is a well-known name in Badlapur politics. He has served as the former president of the Municipal Corporation. Now he is active in Badlapur politics as a leader of Eknath Shinde’s party Shiv Sena. When he was asked about the allegations of the female journalist, he called these allegations baseless.
Vaman Mhatre said, ‘This is a stunt by the female journalist. I know her for a long time. But now she is working for a political party i.e. Shiv Sena (UBT). I had only asked her that, you have been covering this matter continuously for two-three days, so at least you should give the correct information whether the girls have been raped or not. I did not use rude language while talking to her. She has taken this upon herself only for stuntmanship. I am a leader who respects women. Till now I have never made such a mistake and will not make it in future too.’
What happened to the police complaint of the female journalist?
The female journalist said that after Vaman Mhatre’s obscene comment, she herself went to the police station to register a case. She said, ‘Today there is a law and order situation in Badlapur, so I have been asked to come tomorrow.’