A viral video showing Congress leader Nana Patole having his feet washed by two men during a Guru Purnima ceremony has triggered a sharp political row in Maharashtra, with Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam on Monday calling the episode 'extremely shameful.' The footage, which circulated widely on social media, shows Patole seated on a sofa while two men wash his feet and shower flowers on him, with fruits placed nearby as part of the ritual.

What the Video Shows

In the clip, Nana Patole is seen relaxed on a sofa as two men perform what appears to be a ceremonial foot-washing, with flowers and fruits arranged around him. The ceremony took place on the occasion of Guru Purnima, a day traditionally reserved for honouring spiritual teachers and mentors.

What Nirupam Said

'This video of Nana Patole is extremely shameful. On the occasion of Guru Purnima, his so-called disciples are seen washing his feet with milk. Nana Patole, like Baba Ram Rahim and Baba Rampal, is sitting there scrolling through his mobile phone with an attitude that reflects arrogance. First of all, getting one's feet washed with milk is not appropriate even for a spiritual guru, let alone a politician. On Guru Purnima, one may pay respect to a guru, but what is the meaning of washing someone's feet with milk in this manner?' Nirupam said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also weighed in, ridiculing the episode as a reflection of what it termed 'Congress culture.' Critics from the ruling alliance argued that the display was inappropriate for a politician regardless of the occasion.

Patole's Defence

Nana Patole, however, defended the ceremony, stating that the individuals seen touching his feet were young members of his 'family.' He did not elaborate further on the nature of the event or the relationship with those involved.

Nirupam on Rahul Gandhi and Pappu Yadav FIR

Nirupam also commented on the First Information Report (FIR) registered against Independent MP Pappu Yadav and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, calling it 'a very good decision.' He alleged that their protest over the reported theft of donations and offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was 'nothing more than a drama' and an insult to followers of Sanatan Dharma.

'Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron robes, portrayed a sadhu and acted as though he was stealing donation money. Rahul Gandhi, who, in my opinion, rarely visits temples and has never visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, also became part of the performance,' Nirupam said. The remarks reflect the broader political tensions between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the Congress-led opposition in Maharashtra ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.