Under former Union minister Rao Saheb Danve’s influence, BJP workers protest demanding his ouster from Mahayuti Alliance
Team Clarion
SAMBHAJINAGAR — State Minority Affairs Minister Abdul Sattar, a leader of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), has been facing increasing opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially after the recent Lok Sabha elections. In the Sillod constituency of the district, BJP workers have again staged a protest against Sattar. A ‘Sillod Bandh’ (shutdown) was initially announced for Monday, but was later called off.
BJP workers in Sillod have consistently targeted Abdul Sattar, with former Union Minister Rao Saheb Danve spearheading the movement. Danve, who lost the Lok Sabha election from Jalna, is said to be supporting the anti-Sattar campaign. Many BJP members claim to have the backing of Danve, as he continues to criticise Sattar’s political decisions.
A recent protest was triggered by an incident near Shevna where BJP workers were allegedly targeted by the police, with cases being filed against them. This has become a focal point in the campaign against Sattar. Addressing a rally in Sillod-Suyegaon, Danve accused, “Sillod has turned into Pakistan because of Abdul Sattar. Anyone buying a plot here faces charges, and protests are suppressed. Recently, false cases were filed against youth in Shevna, all at Sattar’s behest.”
Danve’s statement has raised concerns within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, and the situation is becoming increasingly tense for both Abdul Sattar and the ruling coalition. His words have struck a chord with local BJP workers, who have united against the minister.
On Monday, BJP workers once again gathered in Sillod, continuing their protest and demanding Sattar’s removal from the Mahayuti alliance. Suresh Banker, who is keen on contesting from Sillod on a Mahayuti ticket, has been actively leading the charge. This marks the third protest against Abdul Sattar in just a month.
Although the ‘bandh’ was called off after concerns were raised by local business leaders about potential losses and hardships to farmers, the BJP workers did not back down. Instead, they organised a march to the tehsildar’s office, where slogans were raised against Abdul Sattar. Protesters demanded his removal from the ministry and expulsion from the Mahayuti alliance.
One protester remarked, “We cannot allow someone like Abdul Sattar to continue in the alliance. His actions are against the people’s interests, and the BJP stands united in our opposition.”
With protests growing stronger and tensions escalating, the future of Abdul Sattar’s position within the Mahayuti alliance remains uncertain.
