Mumbai: Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Girish Mahajan faced flak on Monday after he attended an event for deaf and dumb children with a revolver tucked in his waist, an act dubbed as “inappropriate”.
The matter was also raised in both the Houses of state Legislature with the opposition demanding the sacking of Mahajan, who is the minister for water resources.
But Mahajan later clarified that he carries the weapon for “self-defence” and that he has not been involved in any kind of violence.
“I admit that the revolver was visible. But never have I pointed a revolver, or gotten involved in violence of any kind in my life. The revolver is merely for self-defence,” he told reporters here.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended his Cabinet colleague, saying he has not broken any law.
Mahajan attended a deaf and dumb children’s event in Jalgaon on Sunday with his revolver tucked in his waist which was very much visible for everyone.
In the Assembly, the Opposition Congress and NCP demanded sacking of the minister as it sent a wrong message in the society.
The Opposition members also boycotted the Question Hour in protest. Fadnavis said the Opposition was trying to create an unnecessary controversy.
“Mahajan has a licence to carry weapon for last two decades. Licence holder is expected to carry the weapon and not keep it at home,” he said.
However, he agreed that the weapon was visible while the minister attended a function and necessary directives would be given to him in this regard.
When the matter was raised in the Council, Fadnavis said, “Girish Mahajan has a licence for keeping a weapon.
He is carrying it with him from the last 25 years.( PTI)
