Nashik, June 11: Hindutva leader, founder of Shiv Pratishthan organisation Sambhaji Bhide has made a controversial statement during his recent public gathering in Nashik. "Mangoes are powerful and nutritious. Some women who ate mangoes of my garden have given birth to sons," said while addressing the public. He attacked the current political and social system by giving references from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Bhide, has been accused of Bhima-Koregaon caste violence which took place on January 1. His statement has now mired in controversy with anti-superstition organisation demanding a case be filed against the right-wing leader.

Political leaders have expressed their anguish over Bhide's bizarre statement claiming his mango tree as a reason for births. NCP MP Supriya Sule said she was pained as a mother when she heard his statement. "For any woman, attaining motherhood and giving birth to a boy or a girl is a matter of pride. It is unfortunate that a shallow debate is taking place in the society on such personal matter," she said in Pune. Milind Deshmukh, Maharashtra Andhrashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (Maharashtra Blind faith Eradication Committee) said Bhide’s claim is a cognisable offence under the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act. According to him, "Bhide’s followers should take a lesson from such unscientific claims and think in which era Bhide is taking them." Bacchu Kadu, an independent MLA from Achalpur in Amaravati district, also demanded a police action against Bhide.

Sambhaji Bhide was in Nashik to deliver a lecture on a movement launched by him for setting up a "32 maund" golden throne at historic Raigad fort. The bicentenary event of the Bhima-Koregaon battle saw huge clashes between the members of the Dalit and Maratha communities around Bhima-Koregaon village in Pune. Bhide has been accused of the violence created during this event. The absurd claim made by Bhide has once again brought him in news, for wrong reasons.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2018 11:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).