Police Complaint Filed Against NCP MLA Sangram Jagtap and BJP MLA Mahesh Landge Over Alleged Hate Speeches in Pune

Police complaint filed against NCP MLA Sangram Jagtap and BJP MLA Mahesh Landge over alleged hate speeches in Pune; investigation underway amid rising political tensions.

Pune | March 4, 2026: A police complaint has been lodged against Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Sangram Jagtap and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Mahesh Landge following allegations of delivering hate speeches during separate public events in Pune district. The complaint has triggered fresh political debate in Maharashtra, with both parties accusing each other of attempting to inflame communal sentiments ahead of upcoming civic and assembly-level political developments.

According to sources within the Pune police department, the complaint alleges that statements made by both legislators during recent gatherings contained inflammatory remarks capable of disturbing communal harmony. While the exact excerpts of the speeches are under scrutiny, the complainant has sought legal action under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with promoting enmity between different groups and disturbing public order.

Police officials confirmed that a preliminary inquiry has been initiated to verify the content of the speeches. Authorities are reviewing video footage, social media clips, and eyewitness accounts to determine whether the remarks violate provisions under Sections 153A and 295A of the IPC, which address acts prejudicial to maintaining communal harmony.

Sangram Jagtap, who represents the Ahmednagar constituency, and Mahesh Landge, the MLA from Bhosari in Pune, are both influential political figures with strong grassroots presence. Their public addresses often draw significant local crowds, making any controversial remarks particularly sensitive in the current political climate.

Political analysts suggest that the development comes at a time when Maharashtra’s political environment is already charged. With municipal elections in key urban centers on the horizon, parties have intensified public outreach programs. Experts warn that polarizing rhetoric, even if unintended, can quickly escalate tensions in diverse urban pockets like Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

A senior political observer based in Pune noted that complaints of hate speech have increasingly become tools of both accountability and political strategy. “The legal system must examine whether the statements cross the line into unlawful speech. At the same time, such complaints are often reflective of deeper political rivalries,” the analyst said.

Neither Jagtap nor Landge has publicly accepted the allegations. Sources close to both MLAs indicated that they are likely to cooperate with authorities and present their version of events if formally summoned.

The Pune police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order. “We will examine all evidence objectively. If any offence is made out, appropriate action will follow as per the law,” a senior police official stated, emphasizing that due process would be strictly followed.

The issue of hate speech has gained renewed focus across India in recent years, with courts repeatedly underscoring the need for responsible public discourse by elected representatives. The Supreme Court has, on multiple occasions, directed state authorities to take prompt action against speeches that incite communal discord.

In Pune, a city known for its educational institutions and cosmopolitan population, authorities remain particularly vigilant about any developments that could disrupt social harmony. Civil society groups have also called for restraint, urging political leaders to prioritize development issues over divisive narratives.

As the investigation proceeds, the case is expected to attract close attention from both political camps and legal observers. The outcome could set a precedent for how local authorities handle similar allegations during politically sensitive periods.

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