Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 25: A major political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after state Congress president Harshavardhan Sapkal alleged that a contractor gifted as many as 21 Defender SUVs to 21 legislators belonging to the ruling alliance as a Diwali gift.

Speaking to the media, Sapkal said, “The slogan ‘50 khoke, ekdum ok’ once echoed across Maharashtra. Now, a new slogan seems to be on its way. While Diwali crackers are bursting across the state, 21 Defender cars have reportedly been gifted by a contractor to ruling MLAs. The question now is — who are these 21 MLAs, and who is this contractor? The answer will soon be known.”

Sapkal’s remarks came amid discussions surrounding Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s new Defender vehicle. Commenting on the development, Sapkal said, “Among the 21 Defenders received as gifts, one belongs to Buldhana. Whether that’s the 21st or 22nd car, we must all find out together.”

Adding fuel to the controversy, BJP district president Vijayaraj Shinde said, “One Defender vehicle has been registered under a contractor’s name. The authorities must investigate who owns it and what commission was received in connection with which contract.”

However, MLA Sanjay Gaikwad dismissed the allegations, clarifying that the SUV belongs to contractor Nilesh Dhawale, who is both a relative and a party worker. “He purchased the Defender by taking a loan of Rs 1.5 crore. He sold his Legender car to make the down payment. I am merely using it during the Diwali period. There’s no need to create a controversy just because the car bears an MLA symbol,” Gaikwad said.

Contractor Nilesh Dhawale also confirmed to the media that he had purchased the vehicle in his own name.