Jignesh Mevani not responsible for Bhima Koregaon violence, says Union Minister Athawale

Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale has an advice for Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mewani: work towards uniting people, not to divide people, if at all Mewani wants to make it big in politics like himself.

Addressing a news conference in Mumbai, Athawale also said the Gujarat MLA was not responsible for the violence at Bhima-Koregaon in Pune district on January 1. The Pune police has registered a case against Jignesh Mevani for a “provocative speech”.

“There was tension in the area prior to January 1. I had visited the place and the tension had eased. So, I had returned to Delhi on December 31. On the same day, Jignesh had delivered his speech at the Shaniwar Wada in Pune. He had not gone to Bhima-Koregaon. Some groups had held a meeting at night and the violence took place on January 1,” the minister said.

Admitting that Jignesh has a bright future, Athawale said, “He is young and impressive, but should be careful while delivering speeches. If at all he wants to grow as a leader like me, he needs to control his tongue and ensure that his speeches instead of provoking people for creating divisions, are better used to …read more