No original members left in BJP, many leaders came from other political outfits: Supriya Sule

Nagpur: NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule on Sunday took a sharp swipe at the BJP, saying there are "no original members" left in the party, claiming most of its leaders have come from other political outfits. "If you visit Parliament and look at the visitor gallery, you'll realise the BJP has become like the Congress. I respect the original BJP workers who fought during the freedom struggle, but today's BJP is completely different," she said while addressing media persons in Nagpur.Turning to the issue of controversial Pune figure Nilesh Ghaywal, Sule said reports of him fleeing the country raise "serious concerns about national security". "I thank the chief minister for at least acknowledging that an inquiry will be conducted. But this is a very serious crime. When a farmer takes a small loan, he is questioned 10 times, yet someone made a fake passport and left the country. With so much digital surveillance, Digi Yatra, and immigration checks, how can this happen?" she asked, adding that the probe must reach Union home minister Amit Shah since passports are issued by the central govt. On NCP (Ajit) MLA Sangram Jagtap, Sule said issuing a notice alone was not enough. "Anyone working against the Constitution must face strong action. This nation must run as per the Constitution framed by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar," she said. The Baramati MP also urged the govt to stop loan recovery from distressed farmers. "This is a time for humanity, not politics. The govt should suspend recovery drives. People are in pain — this is not the time to collect dues," she said. Sule further highlighted unpaid dues to women running Shiv Bhojan thali centres, claiming some went without payments for eight months. "One woman even asked me if she should die by suicide. I will write to the chief minister tonight," she said. Expressing concern over "rising crime" in Pune, she said the state's financial and social condition was "alarming". "Govt data itself shows Maharashtra's crime rate has gone up, especially in Pune. Even ministers are saying their funds are being cut. The govt has started selling public land, which shows how serious the situation is," she said, adding that all parties should come together "for Maharashtra's stability just like they united during Operation Sindoor for the nation."