Mumbai Political Storm Over Bookie's Involvement in BJP Minister's Meeting
Political tensions flared in Mumbai on Tuesday following a controversial meeting organized by alleged bookie Sonu Jalan for BJP minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. The incident occurred at a housing society in Malad's Malvani area, sparking a heated exchange between Lodha and Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh.
Conflicting Claims and Accusations
Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha immediately pointed fingers at Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh, who resides in the same housing society. Lodha claimed Shaikh deliberately planted Sonu Jalan in the gathering to gather information. "After my meeting began, he sent some of his men to stand behind me," Lodha stated on social media. "Sonu Jalan was among them."
Lodha strongly defended his integrity, emphasizing his transparent public life. "It is well known to everyone who keeps people like Sonu Jalan close," he asserted. "Under no circumstances did I bring such people along with me or allow them to stay by my side."
Congress Counters with Evidence
Congress leaders swiftly challenged Lodha's version of events. AICC secretary Sachin Sawant presented what he called concrete proof of Jalan's direct involvement in organizing the meeting. Sawant shared a permission request submitted to the housing society in Sonu Jalan's name, specifically requesting the community hall for the political gathering.
Sawant questioned Lodha's association with the alleged bookie, posting a photograph showing Jalan standing beside the minister during the event. "Now, does Lodha need the support of a bookie and MCOCA accused to garner votes?" Sawant asked pointedly.
MLA Shaikh's Strong Rebuttal
Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh expressed outrage at being dragged into the controversy. He revealed that his family had never organized political meetings in their housing society, even during election campaigns. "We never organised any political meeting in our society," Shaikh clarified, "even while I was contesting the assembly election and despite my son contesting the ongoing BMC election."
Shaikh turned the tables on Lodha, demanding accountability from the BJP minister. "Lodha is a minister," he stated firmly. "If he or his party took any wrong person with them, they need to give an explanation to those demanding a reply from him." The MLA emphasized that he only investigated the matter after Lodha mentioned his name publicly.
Key Revelations from the Controversy
- Sonu Jalan personally booked the community hall for Lodha's meeting
- Jalan reportedly thanked residents after the program concluded
- Sawant provided screenshots of society group chats as evidence
- The meeting occurred in a housing society where both political figures have connections
- Lodha was campaigning for BJP candidates during the event
The political drama continues to unfold as both sides present conflicting narratives. With evidence circulating on social media and strong statements from all parties involved, this controversy has become a significant talking point in Mumbai's political circles. The involvement of an alleged bookie in election campaigning has raised serious questions about political associations and accountability.
