Amid Opposition furore, Fadnavis assures those publishing ‘derogatory’ articles on Savitribai Phule will be taken to task

Following Opposition furore, Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday (June 27) assured the Legislative Assembly that those responsible for posting allegedly derogatory content against pioneering 19th century educationalist Savitribai Phule would be brought to book.

Following Opposition furore, Maharashtra Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday (June 27) assured the Legislative Assembly that those responsible for posting allegedly derogatory content against pioneering 19th century educationalist Savitribai Phule would be brought to book.

Mr. Fadnavis was responding to a question raised by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator and Sharad Pawar faction leader Jitendra Awhad, who questioned the State’s foot-dragging over the probe against two controversial websites – ‘Indic Tales’ and ‘Hindu Post’ – who had allegedly published content attempting to malign the trailblazing reformer’s reputation.  

In response to Mr. Awhad’s query, Mr. Fadnavis, who is also Deputy CM, told the Assembly that the police were in touch with Twitter India to identify the persons behind a handle that posted derogatory remarks against Savitribai Phule.

Mr. Fadnavis said the Maharashtra police had already filed cases against the Twitter handle @bharadwajspeaks and digital platforms ‘Indic Tales’ and ‘Hindu Post’ which had published the allegedly defamatory posts.

“The police are awaiting a reply from Twitter India and action will be taken after the identity of those behind the handle is established,” said the State Home Minister.

Mr. Fadnavis’ reply, however, failed to convince the Congress legislators, causing the Opposition to stage a walkout.

Congressman Balasaheb Thorat, taking strong objection to Mr. Fadnavis’ reply, questioned the tardiness in action on part of the State government.