New Delhi: A shocking incident in Badlapur, has taken a disturbing political twist following inappropriate comments made by a leader of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena faction. The controversy centers around Vaman Mhatre, a former Badlapur Municipal Corporation president, who allegedly made an indecent remark to a female journalist covering a sensitive case of exploitation at a local school. The comment has ignited widespread public outrage and drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders.Incident sparked the controversyFor the past few days, the female journalist had been diligently reporting on the exploitation case at the school, a story that has gripped the community. On the day angry residents took to the railway tracks in protest, the journalist was on-site, documenting the unfolding events. It was during this time that Vaman Mhatre reportedly approached her and made the offensive comment.According to the journalist, Mhatre said, You are reporting as if you were raped. This vulgar statement quickly spread on social media, where it fueled public anger and led to calls for Mhatres arrest. The remark not only highlighted the leaders crass attitude but also raised serious questions about the ruling partys stance on womens issues.बदलापूर माजी नगराध्यक्ष व शिवसेना शिंदे गटाचा नेता वामन म्हात्रे याने महिला पत्रकाराला उद्देशून केलेले वक्तव्य हे अत्यंत निषेधार्ह आहे. यातून महायुती सरकारचा लाडकी बहिण योजनेचा थोतांडपणा आणि पक्षातील नेत्यांची गलिच्छ मानसिकता प्रखरपणे दिसून येते. pic.twitter.com/nPn3mJPF8l— Nationalist Congress Party - Sharadchandra Pawar (@NCPspeaks) August 20, 2024Opposition leaders demand actionThe opposition wasted no time in condemning Mhatres comment. Aditya Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction and former state minister, took to social media platform X to express his disgust, stating, This statement is disgusting, and he should be arrested immediately. Similarly, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule criticized Mhatres language and questioned the ruling governments seriousness in addressing the exploitation of girls.In an Instagram post, Sule stated, The language used by a leader in power shows how serious the government is about atrocities against women. The government should file a case against him for outraging the modesty of a female journalist.Who is Vaman MhatreVaman Mhatre is a prominent figure in Badlapurs political landscape, having previously served as the Municipal Corporation president. He is currently active in politics as a leader of Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena faction. When confronted about the allegations, Mhatre dismissed them as baseless, claiming that the journalist was politically motivated and working for the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) party.Mhatre stated, “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 had only asked her if she had confirmed whether the girls were raped or not. I did not use rude language. This is just a publicity stunt. I have always respected women and will continue to do so.”Journalists responseFollowing Mhatres alleged comment, the female journalist attempted to file a police complaint. However, she was reportedly asked to return the following day due to the tense law and order situation in Badlapur at the time.The incident has not only intensified the political debate but also spotlighted the challenges journalists face in reporting sensitive issues, especially in a highly charged political environment.
