Minister on stage with drug case accused, draws flak
Critics raised eyebrows over the minister's actions, pointing out that he not only praised the accused but was seen putting his hand on the accused's shoulder, suggesting a relationship.
Vinod alias Pintu Gangane, husband of Tuljapur municipal council's former president, obtained bail in the case a month ago from the Bombay HC bench in Aurangabad.
Reacting to videos of the event, Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, said, "The Tuljapur drugs case has been making headlines.
The probe is yet to be completed. A man who indulged in illicit businesses welcomed and felicitated Bawankule, the state's revenue minister and a BJP leader. Bawankule then respectfully drew him close, and it looks like the minister almost hugged him."
BJP workers said the event was organised to mark the approval of the Tuljapur development plan. A BJP office bearer from Sambhajinagar said, "Vinod Gangane has just been named an accused and that too for consumption.
He has not been convicted."
State food and civil supplies minister Chhagan Bhujbal also defended Bawankule. "Senior political functionaries are not aware of all those who are on stage when they go for a public programme. It often happens that citizens want to meet politicians and get photographed. At such times, if the politician stops anyone from sharing the dais, and if that person happens to be a good functionary, it creates problems for the party," he said.
"The onus is on local party units, who should ensure that people with controversial backgrounds are not allowed on stage," he added.
Gangane was mentioned as an organiser on the programme invitation card. Sources said he shares ties with MLA Rana Patil. The Tuljapur
drug trafficking
case came to light on Feb 14 after the arrest of three people from Tamalwadi with 45 grams of MD. Police later seized synthetic drugs worth Rs 2.5 lakh. Gangane was arrested for possession and consumption of drugs. HC granted him conditional bail on July 10.
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