Maha: Shinde faction MP apologises after abusing journalists

Mumbai, June 25 (IANS) Mumbai North-East MP Sanjay Dina Patil, who recently defected from the Shiv Sena (UBT) to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has sparked a massive political controversy after hurling expletives and openly threatening media personnel. Following a severe backlash from various quarters, the parliamentarian issued an unconditional public apology.

The incident occurred when reporters approached Patil to seek his reaction on sensitive political developments, including his recent defection and questions surrounding his daughter, Rajul Patil, who has chosen to remain with the Uddhav Thackeray faction.

Losing his temper on camera, Patil launched a verbal assault against the journalists, telling them to keep their microphones away from his face. “If you come here again, I will beat you up and send you back. Record this on camera. I am telling you this right in front of the police. Do whatever you want to do,” Patil was caught saying on video.

The MP’s aggressive outburst and abusive language drew widespread condemnation from media unions and political leaders across Maharashtra, who criticised the intimidation of working journalists. As the backlash intensified, Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde intervened, advising the MP to express regret.

Shinde noted that, while political tensions have been running high and personal attacks have been directed at families since the party split, elected representatives must maintain decorum with the press.

Following the top leadership’s intervention, Patil backtracked on his remarks and released a formal apology statement, claiming his outburst was a result of immense mental stress. Patil claimed that ever since his switch to the Shinde faction, he and his family, including his wife, daughter, and deceased father, were being repeatedly targeted with malicious fabrications and abusive queries.

Patil maintained that he had politely asked the reporters not to press further, as he had already made his stance clear, but their persistent questioning about his family caused him to lose control. “I express my deepest, heartfelt regrets to the entire journalistic community for the words that inadvertently slipped out during the argument,” Patil stated.

He added that he remains completely open to any police investigation or inquiry regarding the incident.

–IANS

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