28-07-2025
Congress slams Shinde for backing Kadam: ‘Which version of Hindutva allows dance bars'
A day after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde extended support to his party colleague and Minister of State (Home) Yogesh Kadam, who has been facing flak over connections with a dance bar, opposition Congress Monday questioned whether Shinde's Hindutva allows running dance bars.
'How can Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde justify supporting a dance bar? For someone who claims to uphold the ideals of Hindutva, in which version of Hindutva does making girls dance in bars find a place?' asked state Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal.
On Sunday, speaking at a public function at Khed in Ratnagiri, Shinde had come out in support of Kadam saying not only him but the entire party stands firmly with Yogesh Kadam.
'It is wrong to demand resignation (of Kadam). The entire party and myself stand firmly with Yogesh Kadam. Those who themselves are buried under the mud of corruption are attacking others,' Shinde had said.
Kadam had landed in controversy after a dance bar named Sawali in Kandivali was being operated under a licence held by his mother.
'Shinde shamelessly defended a minister who is linked to a dance bar This is the height of brazenness. If not for public decency, at least have some conscience,' said Sapkal.
Sapkal said, 'On one hand, they claim to be brothers to their beloved sisters benefited under Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, and on the other hand, they support dance bars that shatter those very sisters' lives—how can they do this with a straight face? Minister Yogesh Kadam must be dismissed from the cabinet.'
Meanwhile, Sena leader Sheetal Mhatre slammed Sapkal saying he should not dare to talk ill about Shinde.
'Sapkal should avoid making such unsubstantiated allegations. His words have no truth and if he keeps on making such statements then he will face the wrath of Shiv Sena's women wing,' said Mhatre.
