Jalna: Cash Shower On BJP Leader Kailas Gorantyal Sparks Row

A video purportedly capturing currency notes being showered on former BJP MLA Kailas Gorantyal during a religious programme in Jalna has sparked controversy, especially considering the drought and crop losses plaguing the region. The incident occurred on Tuesday night at a bhajan program near the Manmadevi Temple in Jalna city. Gorantyal, who recently joined the BJP, participated in the devotional singing and dancing as per party workers' requests.

Some attendees are said to have showered him with ₹500 and ₹200 banknotes. The video has been widely shared on social media, eliciting criticism over the money display during a public event in drought-stricken Maharashtra. Gorantyal claimed the program was religious in nature, with devotees typically showering money during such events.

He insisted he attended the program and highlighted that prayers for farmers were held concurrently, due to the ongoing drought conditions. However, the video circulating on social media appears to be incomplete, according to Gorantyal. Gorantyal also criticized the video's circulation, stating that the full video showed prayers for farmers in drought-stricken areas.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Gorantyal, praising him as a competent leader who has taken steps to support drought-affected people. Shiv Sena Minister Sanjay Shirsat criticized the event, stating that conducting such programs during a drought is not appreciated by the common people. Gorantyal, who had been a Congress leader for over three decades before joining the BJP a year ago, now represents the Jalna assembly constituency for the BJP.

Shiv Sena (UBT) district president Manish Shrivastav accused BJP leaders of not being serious about the farmers' hardships caused by the drought, suggesting they should organize a charity dance show and donate the proceeds to drought-stricken individuals.