YAVATMAL: Upping the ante against 5-time MP and Shiv Sena’s Lok Sabha member from Yavatmal-Washim seat Bhavana Gawali, who is facing enforcement directorate probe for alleged money laundering, BJP women’s wing on Wednesday lodged a missing person complaint with the police.
BJP Mahila Aghadi chairperson Maya Shere and others filed the complaint claiming that the MP has not been seen in the constituency for the last six months.
In a prelude to the BJP’s complaint, a number of banners had appeared at prominent spots on Tuesday offering handsome reward to anyone who “brings back the missing MP”. However, Gawali supporters removed all the banners.
Shere said due to absence of the MP people who voted for her find it difficult to get their problems solved. “I have requested the police to trace our MP and protect her from any untoward incident,” she said.
BJP general secretary Raju Padgilwar, Vaishali Khod and others were present when Shere lodged police complaint.
Talking to TOI from New Delhi where she is attending the Parliament session, Gawali pooh-poohed the missing complaint saying several BJP workers used to call her pleading for some favour and she has obliged them.
Earlier on Monday, Shiv Sena’s former Union minister Arvind Sawant had visited Yavatmal in connection with the party’s outreach campaign. When asked about Gawali’s absence from the programme, Sawant said the MP had sought permission from the party high command citing personal reasons.
“Several works are being carried out even though I am not present in the constituency. These can be verified from government agencies,” said Gawali.
“I am busy due to personal reasons and have taken permission from the party chief,” said the MP.
“I am a woman who is being hounded by the enforcement directorate. Nobody is supporting me,” said Gawali.
“I will return to the constituency and resume my public contacts at the earliest,” said Gawali.
