Political fumes erupt over viral photo of Maharashtra BJP President at Macau poker table

Pune: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut on Monday shared a controversial photo of Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule who was allegedly seated at a poker table in Macau. This photo has created controversy in the political arena.

MP Raut alleged that Maharashtra BJP president was  engaging in leisure activities while the state faces challenges. In his tweet, Raut stated that , “Maharashtra is on fire… And this gentleman is gambling in a casino in Macau. Try zooming the photo… are they the same? Picture is still pending…),”

Considering the gravity of the situation, in a response, Bawankule clarified that he was staying with his family in a hotel in Macau. On the ground floor of that hotel, there was a restaurant and a casino. After dinner, he was sitting at the restaurant along with his family when that photo was clicked. Bawankule also shared more photographs of his Macau visit along with his family.

Soon after fueling the controversy, the state unit of the BJP shared photographs of SHiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray who was holding a glass in an event organised for footballer David Beckham. BJP questioned the content of the glass and insinuated impropriety.

State BJP unit further clarified that their state president had never gambled in his life. This area is in the vicinity of a place where he was staying with his family. However, those whose life has been gambled away can’t see beyond it. Please tell us (Sanjay Raut) as to what brand of whiskey is in Aaditya Thackeray’s glass,” the state BJP unit tweeted.