Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole sparked a political storm during an election rally in Akola district, where he used derogatory language aimed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Patole, while addressing the crowd, lashed out at the BJP, questioning the loyalty of the OBCs in the region. "I would like to ask, would you ? the OBCs of Akola district ? vote for a party that calls you 'kutta' (dog)?... It is time to make BJP a 'kutta,'" he said.

The comment quickly drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who were quick to respond, accusing Patole of displaying frustration ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections. The state is scheduled to go to the polls on November 20, with results expected on November 23.

Kirit Somaiya Slams Patole's Remarks

In retaliation, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya strongly condemned Patole's remarks, accusing him of being a "frustrated man." "They are going from disappointment to dejection. Sharad Pawar is saying something, Uddhav Thackeray is verbally abusing the Election Commission, and now Rahul Gandhi's Congress is calling BJP a 'kutta' because opinion polls show a clear majority for Mahayuti. So, I can understand their disappointment," Somaiya said, referencing the growing sense of frustration within the opposition ranks.

BJP National Spokesperson Joins Criticism

BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also weighed in, criticizing Patole?s language and accusing Congress of undermining constitutional values. "Nana Patole is frustrated because when he travels on the ground, he can understand that Congress is not going to form a government in Maharashtra. But in his frustration, he has said that he wants to tame BJP, as dogs. This shows the 'Emergency' mindset of the Congress party ? they want to control their rivals, file cases against them, and silence them," Bhandari said.

Bhandari further attacked the Congress for its alleged authoritarian tendencies, adding, "If they come to power in Maharashtra, they will file cases against whoever speaks against them. This is why we say that Congress wants to damage the Constitution. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution gives you freedom of speech. I condemn the word used by Nana Patole, but it also shows their inferiority complex."

Political Rhetoric and the Campaign Trail

The controversy comes on the heels of another inflammatory statement from a Congress leader in Karnataka, where Zameer Ahmed used the racist term "kaala" against his rival. The BJP was quick to draw comparisons, with Bhandari noting, "Yesterday, Karnataka Congress leader Zameer Ahmed used the term 'kaala' for his rival. It is a racist term. Today, they are using the term 'kutta'... I can understand the frustration of Nana Patole. When they are not forming their government, they get frustrated and say absurd things."

As Maharashtra?s political landscape heats up ahead of the November elections, it remains to be seen how these remarks will influence voter sentiment. The war of words between Congress and BJP continues to intensify, with both parties taking aim at each other?s leaders in the final stretch of campaigning.