Maharashtra Congress MLA says 'Modi not farmers' father;' gets suspended
02 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Congress MLA Nana Patole was suspended from the state Assembly for a day on Tuesday after his controversial remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The incident happened during a heated exchange over statements made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders about farmers.

Patole had climbed onto the Speaker's podium, demanding action against BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate for their alleged derogatory comments toward farmers.

Patole demands apology from CM
Apology demand

In his address to the House, Patole accused Lonikar and Kokate of repeatedly insulting farmers.

He demanded an apology from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on behalf of the government for these offensive statements.

"Babanrao Lonikar and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate are constantly insulting farmers. The food provider will not tolerate this insult," he said.

"The chief minister should apologize to the farmers in the House. Modi may be your father, but he cannot be the father of the farmers."

Chaos in House as ruling benches raise objections
Controversial remarks

Patole's comments drew sharp objections from the ruling benches, including Chief Minister Fadnavis and former CM Eknath Shinde.

The session quickly descended into chaos as members exchanged barbs.

Reacting to Patole's remarks, Shinde said, "A prime minister is a prime minister for the entire country. Because of these things, people have brought Congress to 16 MLAs in the state and their number will decrease to single digit in the coming time."

What did BJP leaders say
Suspension ordered

The speaker then ordered a one-day suspension for Patole for indiscipline and violation of House decorum.

The row started after BJP leader Lonikar recently told farmers that "people who criticize his party...government should know they are getting clothes, shoes, mobile phones, monetary benefits....for sowing because of us."

Meanwhile, Kokate alleged farmers were exploiting loan waiver funds and even crop insurance benefits.

"One rupee is something even beggars don't accept, but the government is giving crop insurance...which is being misused."