FIR against Raosaheb Danve for his ‘Laxmi’ remark on poll-eve

Mumbai: The troubles of BJP state chief Raosaheb Danve seem to be increasing, as the police has registered an FIR against him for violating the model code of conduct, following his controversial remarks during a municipal election campaign. On December 17, before the municipal council polls, Mr Danve had said in Paithan “On the eve of the elections, Laxmi (money) comes to your house and you should accept it.”

On the direction of the state election commission (SEC), the Aurangabad police registered the FIR on Thursday. “The FIR has been filed under section 171 B of the IPC, at Paithan police station,” Aurangabad Rural SP Navinchandra Reddy said. The FIR was registered in response to a complaint filed by Paithan sub-divisional officer K. Netke, the IPS officer said. The SEC had asked Aurangabad collector Nidhi Panday to register an FIR against Mr Danve for violating the model code of conduct.

Mr Danve’s controversial remarks went viral, which prompted the election commission to take action against him.  In the clip, Mr Danve was seen telling the voters: “Today is December 17 and tomorrow is December 18, voting day. I know all of you are impatient to go home. The eve of the election is important, as suddenly you get darshan of Laxmi. If such Laxmi comes to your door, please welcome it. But, whatever you have decided, stick to your voting decision.”

Earlier, in response to a notice by Mr Netke, Mr Danve had said: “The public in the meeting were from rural areas and are spiritual and faithful and in case Goddess Laxmi comes, voters must see to it that the goddess does not return empty handed.”