States » WestPosted at: Sep 23 2026 11:04PM


Dance events involving BJP leaders amid drought crisis draws opposition flak

Bharat Ghandat
Dhule, Sep 23 (UNI) As Maharashtra grapples with a severe drought-like situation caused by inadequate rainfall, dance and entertainment programmes reportedly organised in connection with events involving BJP leaders have triggered criticism from the opposition.
Minister Jaykumar Rawal has come under fire after videos from a dance programme organised for his son's birthday surfaced on social media.
The videos purportedly show foreign women performing at the event and have since gone viral.
The controversy comes at a time when farmers across several parts of Maharashtra are facing difficulties due to poor rainfall.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also begun a tour to assess the drought situation in affected areas.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticised Rawal over the birthday celebrations, questioning the appropriateness of such an event when people in drought-affected areas are facing hardships.
“Jaykumar Rawal is from Solapur, where there is severe drought. People's representatives from drought-affected areas should avoid such things. Birthdays come every year, while death comes only once. If they do not have this sensitivity, then what is their concern for?” Wadettiwar said.
He further alleged that the government's meetings and discussions on the drought appeared to be merely a show.
Meanwhile, another BJP-linked event has also attracted attention.
A dance performance by Gautami Patil was reportedly organised as part of celebrations for BJP leader Kunal Patil's birthday.
The two events have provided fresh ammunition to opposition parties, which are questioning the conduct of political leaders and their representatives at a time when farmers and rural communities are facing a serious rainfall shortage.
The controversy has also sparked a wider debate over whether public figures from drought-affected regions should organise lavish entertainment programmes while the state is dealing with an agricultural crisis.
UNI BHG RN
Tags: #Dance events involving BJP leaders amid drought crisis draws opposition flak
More News

Dance events involving BJP leaders amid drought crisis draws opposition flak

23 Sep 2026 | 11:04 PM

Bharat Ghandat
Dhule, Sep 23 (UNI) As Maharashtra grapples with a severe drought-like situation caused by inadequate rainfall, dance and entertainment programmes reportedly organised in connection with events involving BJP leaders have triggered criticism from the opposition.
Minister Jaykumar Rawal has come under fire after videos from a dance programme organised for his son's birthday surfaced on social media.

see more..

Language can strengthen social bonding, not divide Society: Dr Sharad Gore

23 Sep 2026 | 10:11 PM

Pune/Tanjavur Sep 23 ( UNI): At a time when attempts are being made to create social divisions on the basis of caste, religion, sect and language, writers and intellectuals have a responsibility to use language as a means of promoting fraternity and strengthening social harmony, said Dr Sharad Gore, president of the Sarfoji Raje II Marathi Sahitya Sammelan.

see more..

Congress raises transparency concerns over voter roll revision

23 Sep 2026 | 10:01 PM

Nagpur, Sep 23 (UNI) Nagpur City Congress president Praful Gudadhe on Wednesday alleged that the Election Commission's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was being conducted through an illegal and arbitrary process, raising concerns over transparency and the possibility of genuine voters being excluded from the rolls.

see more..

Congress leader Gopal Tiwari seeks removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, calls for Supreme Court intervention

23 Sep 2026 | 10:00 PM

Pune, Sep 23 (UNI) Senior Maharashtra Pradesh Congress spokesperson Gopal Tiwari on Wednesday demanded that the Supreme Court take suo motu cognisance of the functioning of the Election Commission of India and seek the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the independence of the poll body was being compromised.

see more..

Govt Announces Financial Assistants To Bhajani Mandals in Maharashtra

23 Sep 2026 | 8:25 PM

Mumbai, Sept 23 (UNI) The Maharashtra Department of Cultural Affairs has invited online applications from Bhajani Mandals across the state for grants for the financial year 2026-27.

see more..