‘Invite journos for tea’: Maharashtra BJP chief's message to party workers sparks outrage

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Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights! Click here! The politician then went on to urge party workers to ‘treat them well and ensure no negative news comes out’. In case of shortcomings, he assured, local BJP MP Sujay Vikhe Patil was also there.

“There should be positive news about us. Protect your own booths first," he urged. ALSO READ: Rift in Maharashtra's BJP-NCP alliance? Ajit Pawar says… Bawankule's remarks have since sparked outrage in the Opposition ranks with many lashing out at the BJP.

The politician meanwhile insisted that he had only meant that journalists should be treated with respect and that the party workers should try to understand their opinions about the allocated booths. “Not all journalists are sold out. Do you think journalists accept crumbs? I can understand the restlessness of your leaders, both of the top level and local ones, as they could not suppress the voice of dissent.

But you directly started making offers to journalists? This means, you (BJP) will try to offer some "crumbs" to voters as well ahead of elections…." said Maharashtra opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar. ALSO READ: ‘Will accept final decision of EC’ Ajit Pawar on party's name and symbol “The Congress has given due importance to journalists but the BJP made them look cheap. It is a devaluation of the media fraternity," added State Congress president Nana Patole.