After BJP MLA’s remarks targeting minorities, Sule demands arrest

At a Sangli protest over a couple’s murder, Mahesh Landge said: “Stop buying from Muslim people; disrupt their financial planning”

BJP-NCP(SP): Objecting to Landge’s remarks at the rally, Sule said action should be taken against all elected representatives who use provocative language and create social discord. (Express File PhotoObjecting to Landge’s remarks at the rally, Sule said action should be taken against all elected representatives who use provocative language and create social discord. (Express File Photo

Baramati MP and NCP(SP) working national president Supriya Sule on Sunday demanded the arrest of BJP’s Bhosari MLA Mahesh Landge over his alleged provocative remarks at a protest in Sangli last week.

Sule demanded that a criminal case be registered against Landge and that he be arrested. She also urged Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take action against the MLA.

“I request the state Home Minister to rein in such MLAs in time. Provocative statements can create a serious law and order problem in the state. If this happens, innocent common people will unnecessarily get crushed in the process,” Sule said.

Objecting to Landge’s remarks at the rally, Sule said action should be taken against all elected representatives who use provocative language and create social discord. “Not only should action be taken, but criminal cases should be registered against them and they should be arrested,” she said.

‘This is the Maharashtra of Shivray, Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar’

Reminding the ruling parties of Maharashtra’s political and progressive traditions, Sule said, “This Maharashtra belongs to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This is the progressive Maharashtra of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Such criminal and oppressive language will not be tolerated at all in this Maharashtra.”

Tensions have been reported in Sangli following the killing of a couple in Kupwad. Farid Sheikh, a neighbour of the couple, allegedly attacked Manisha Kesarikar and her husband Mohan Kesarikar following a dispute over garbage disposal. Both died during treatment. Police have arrested Sheikh in connection with the case.

A protest march was organised by the right-wing organisation Sakal Hindu Samaj in Sangli city last week following the incident. BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar, Landge and NCP MLA Sangram Jagtap were among those present.

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During his speech at the march, Landge urged people to stop purchasing goods from members of the Muslim community.

“Stop buying from Muslim people; disrupt their financial planning,” he said. Referring to the murder, Landge also said, “He was troubling the family. Should we just keep watching injustice happen to the Hindu community? Should the government be blamed every single time? The government stands firmly behind us.”

“The monster in the Kesarikar murder case will get the death penalty… We definitely do not want the votes of those who commit such acts,” he added.

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More


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