Maharashtra BJP MLA sparks row over 'Govt gives everything' remark

Mumbai: BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar has come under fire from across the political spectrum - including his own party - for saying that people should not criticise the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra, as they receive "everything from clothes, shoes, mobile phones to money" from the government.

"There are some useless people whose mother's salary was fixed because of Babanrao Lonikar. Their father's pension was done through Babanrao Lonikar. Narendra Modi has given your father ₹6,000 for cultivation. Under the Ladki Bahin scheme, your mother, sister, and wife have been receiving money," Lonikar said on Wednesday.

The comments triggered sharp criticism. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve said, "You've become an MLA because of the people. Your clothes, shoes, air tickets, the diesel in your car - all are because of the people. With local body elections approaching, people should remember these words."