Daijiworld Media Network - Sangli

Sangli, Mar 20: A fresh political row has erupted in Maharashtra after Sanjaykaka Patil issued a sharp warning to Jayant Patil, accusing him of misleading statements and indulging in “petty politics” over alleged links with the BJP.

The dispute stems from remarks made by Jayant Patil during discussions around the Sangli Zilla Parishad president and vice-president elections, where he claimed that Sanjay Patil had been sent by them to attend BJP meetings and was sharing information with them.

Reacting strongly, Sanjaykaka Patil rejected the claim and said he had never considered Jayant Patil as his leader. He alleged that Jayant Patil himself had made repeated attempts to join the BJP and that he was a witness to those efforts.

“Jayant Patil should not play with fire or force me to reveal his dark political past,” Sanjaykaka Patil warned. He also challenged Jayant Patil to swear on his son, Pratik Patil, and state that he (Sanjay Patil) was sent by him to work with the BJP.

Escalating the attack, Sanjaykaka Patil accused Jayant Patil of practising “understanding-based politics,” alleging that he creates divisions within the same village by pitting groups against each other for political gain.

“Do not compel me to reveal everything step by step — whom you speak to, how you manage political equations, and how you run politics even within your own taluka,” he said, adding that if such statements continue, he would be forced to disclose further details.

Sanjaykaka Patil also said that he had faced political isolation but fought independently and earned public support, securing majorities in municipal and local body elections. “I have never engaged in double-faced politics — saying one thing in the day and another at night,” he asserted.

Clarifying his stand on the Zilla Parishad developments, he said he had initially demanded that the Chairmanship be given to Ajit Pawar’s faction of the Nationalist Congress Party as a tribute following Ajit Pawar’s “unfortunate loss.” However, the process moved ahead without that consideration, prompting his group to walk out.

He further revealed that he later received calls from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister urging unity under the Mahayuti alliance, after which he decided to support the decision.

Responding to the controversy, Jayant Patil maintained that his earlier statement was correct and accused Sanjay Patil of attempting to create obstacles in his political work. He reiterated that Sanjay Patil had extended support but criticised him for indulging in “false narratives and petty politics.”

Jayant Patil also challenged Sanjay Patil to publicly acknowledge the support extended, accusing him of trying to end his political dominance in the region.

The war of words between the two leaders has intensified political tensions in Sangli district, with further escalation likely if the dispute continues.