Maha: Row erupts over OBC certificate charge involving Supriya Sule

Mumbai, Aug 27 (IANS) A political row erupted after Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Thursday alleged that Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule holds an Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificate.

Responding strongly to the claim, Sule dismissed the allegations as completely false and demanded that Wadettiwar either prove his statement or issue a public apology. Following her strong stance, Wadettiwar clarified that he mentioned her name inadvertently and expressed regret over the slip-up.

Reacting sharply to the statements regarding her reservation status, Sule challenged Wadettiwar to reveal his sources.

Taking to social media platform X, she urged him to disclose who provided the information and on what grounds. She posted that if Wadettiwar claimed this was true, he must present public proof to substantiate it; otherwise, he must issue a public apology for making unsubstantiated claims.

In response to the backlash, Wadettiwar issued a clarification on X, explaining that he mentioned Sule by mistake while stating his position on the OBC certificate issue. He said he had no intention of levelling allegations against her and expressed regret for the accidental reference.

However, Wadettiwar emphasised that his broader political stance remains unchanged regarding leaders who draw upon OBC benefits. He reiterated that his ongoing fight is focused on safeguarding the rights of the OBC community and ensuring social justice, rather than targeting any individual.

Meanwhile, the dispute sparked strong reactions from leaders across both parties. Maharashtra NCP (SP) unit chief Shashikant Shinde expressed strong displeasure over Wadettiwar’s remarks, stating that such behaviour by Congress leaders was a key factor leading to the loss of power in 2014.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve questioned the controversy, saying that if anyone obtained a certificate within the prescribed legal rules, there should be no wrongdoing.

The exchange highlighted growing internal friction between Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction as political tensions in Maharashtra continue to rise.

–IANS

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