Solapur : The Jail Road Police have officially filed a case against former corporator Devendra Rajesh Kothe, who recently joined the BJP, for inciting religious discord and offending religious sentiments at a public gathering led by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to support the BJP's candidate Ram Satpute in the Solapur Lok Sabha elections.
On May 1, Yogi Adityanath organized a public meeting to endorse BJP's candidate Ram Satpute for the Solapur Lok Sabha elections at Lingaraj Valyal Maidan near Karnik Nagar. During this event, Devendra Kothe spoke and made derogatory remarks that sparked religious tensions and caused offense. Previously, at a public event hosted by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Solapur, Kothe made a controversial statement, linking it to an incentive offered by the Congress party regarding financial benefits to women.
This led to Kothe suggesting unequal treatment between Hindu and Muslim women, insinuating bias towards the Muslim community. Following these incidents, Mushtaq Mahiboob Sheikh (res. Begampeth, Solapur) lodged a complaint at Jailroad Police Station, leading to the registration of a case against Devendra Kothe. Devendra Kothe, a former member of Congress, comes from a political background, being the grandson of the late Vishnupant Kothe, who served as a key figure in the local politics under senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde.
He is also the nephew of former mayor Mahesh Kothe, currently aligned with the Nationalist Sharad Pawar faction after previously leaving Congress to join the Shiv Sena. Devendra Kothe's recent controversial statements have drawn attention during the Solapur Lok Sabha elections, particularly after his association with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his move to the BJP.
In response to Kothe's objectionable statement, Election Officer and Collector Kumar Ashirwad has submitted a report to the State Election Commission, recommending action against Kothe for violating the election code of conduct. The status of the action remains pending.
