MAHARASHTRA Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday told the Legislative Assembly that the police are in touch with Twitter India to identify those behind a handle that posted derogatory remarks against Savitribai Phule. Responding to a question by NCP’s Jitendra Awhad during Question Hour, Fadnavis said police have filed cases against the Twitter handle @bharadwajspeaks and digital platforms Indic Tales and Hindu Post that allegedly published derogatory articles about 19th-century social reformer Phule.

 

The Deputy CM said the police are awaiting a reply from Twitter India and action will be taken after the identity of those behind the post. However, Congress’ Balasaheb Thorat took strong objection to Fadnavis’s reply. He asked, “What did Rahul Gandhi say that he was given a two-year jail sentence and why such non-action now (in matter pertaining to Phule)?” Thorat was referring to Gandhi’s conviction by a Surat court. The Opposition staged a walkout in protest against Fadnavis’s reply. Condemning the Opposition’s stand, the Deputy CM said there can be no politics over the respect and dignity of an icon like Savitribai Phule.