Builder Gifted Defender Cars to 21 Ruling MLAs? Congress’ Sapkal Levels Explosive Allegation; MLA Gaikwad Hits Back

Maharashtra politics heats up after Congress leader Balasaheb Sapkal alleges that 21 ruling MLAs received luxury Defender cars from a builder. MLA Gaikwad challenges the claim.

Maharashtra’s political circles are abuzz with controversy following an explosive claim made by Congress state president Balasaheb Sapkal. In a sharp attack on the ruling coalition, Sapkal alleged that a prominent builder has “gifted luxury Defender cars” to as many as 21 ruling MLAs in the state. The allegation has triggered political tremors across Maharashtra, forcing leaders from both sides to respond.

Addressing the media, Sapkal claimed that the “gifted Defenders” symbolized corruption, political favors, and the growing nexus between politics and real estate in Maharashtra. He demanded a thorough probe into the alleged transactions, insisting that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) should take immediate action. “It is shameful that public representatives, who are meant to serve the people, are accepting such gifts. This is not charity — it’s a clear case of quid pro quo,” Sapkal declared, urging Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to come clean on the matter.

The statement instantly sparked outrage among the ruling camp. BJP and Shinde Sena leaders dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and baseless. Among them, MLA Mahesh Gaikwad, one of the names indirectly linked to the claim, challenged Sapkal to produce concrete evidence. Speaking to reporters, Gaikwad hit back, saying, “This is a desperate attempt to malign the image of hardworking MLAs. Let him show proof. If he can prove even a single MLA received such a gift, I will resign from my post.”

Political observers suggest that the timing of the allegation is significant. Maharashtra is gearing up for upcoming local body and assembly elections, and opposition parties are increasing their attacks on the government over corruption and corporate influence. Sapkal’s claim, whether provable or not, has succeeded in shifting media attention towards questions of transparency and ethics within the ruling alliance.

The “Defender car” controversy has also raised questions about the growing trend of luxury vehicles becoming a symbol of political power and status. Reports indicate that a single Defender SUV costs upwards of ₹1 crore, adding weight to the accusation that the alleged gifts were meant as political favors rather than mere gestures. Social media users have already begun sharing photos of MLAs with similar vehicles, although no direct evidence has yet been established linking them to the builder mentioned in Sapkal’s allegation.

Meanwhile, political analysts argue that this incident highlights a deeper issue — the blurring lines between politics and business in Maharashtra. Dr. Sanjay Deshmukh, a political analyst, observed, “These allegations, whether proven or not, damage public trust. Citizens are already skeptical about the link between politicians and builders. What matters now is transparency — the government must allow an impartial investigation.”

As the war of words intensifies, both the ruling and opposition camps appear ready to escalate their fight ahead of the polls. Congress leaders are preparing to submit a written complaint demanding an official inquiry, while the ruling coalition plans to counter the allegations through legal and political means. The controversy has added another dramatic twist to Maharashtra’s already charged political atmosphere, ensuring that the “Defender gift” issue will remain in the headlines for weeks to come.

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