Kalamnuri MLA Santosh Bangar, a member of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has sparked controversy with his recent remarks directed at school children. In a viral video, Bangar can be heard instructing the children not to eat for two days if their parents do not vote for him in the upcoming elections. The incident occurred despite directives from the Election Commission prohibiting the involvement of children in election-related activities.
Speaking to students at a Zilla Parishad school in Hingoli district, Bangar, addressing children below the age of 10, urged them to convey to their parents that they would only eat if their vote was cast in his favor. The Shiv Sena MLA’s remarks have drawn criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, who have called for stringent action against Bangar.
यांना मतदान करण्यासाठी चिमुकल्या विद्यार्थ्यांनी दोन दिवस जेवायचं नाही म्हणजे हे काय महात्मा आहेत का? यांनी लहान मुलांच्या शिक्षणासाठी मतदारसंघात काय दिवे लावले? लहान मुलांचा राजकारणासाठी वापर करणं हा गुन्हा असून याबद्दल या आमदार महाशयांवर कारवाई झाली पाहिजे! pic.twitter.com/eF5a193BDW
— Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) February 10, 2024
NCP-SP spokesperson Clyde Crasto condemned Bangar’s actions, labeling him a repeat offender and accusing him of evading consequences due to his alliance with the BJP. Crasto emphasized the need for the Election Commission to impartially address Bangar’s violation of its directives.
Similarly, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar questioned the state education minister’s response to Bangar’s remarks, highlighting the inappropriate nature of the comments made to school children.
This incident is not the first time Bangar has courted controversy with his unconventional statements. In a previous instance, he made headlines by stating that he would hang himself if Narendra Modi did not return as Prime Minister after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Bangar’s history of provocative remarks includes an incident last year where he was booked by the Kalamnuri police for allegedly wielding a sword during a festive rally. In 2022, a video capturing Bangar slapping a catering manager of a midday meal program for laborers also went viral, further fueling public outrage.
Bangar’s repeated involvement in contentious incidents underscores the need for accountability and responsible conduct among elected officials. The outcry from opposition parties and calls for disciplinary action highlight the seriousness of Bangar’s actions and the imperative for swift and impartial resolution by relevant authorities.