Overview
- An audio clip of Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule urging party workers to 'empty the Congress' by inducting its leaders went viral on May 4, 2025.
- Bawankule clarified on May 5, 2025, that his statement was distorted and framed the outreach as a call to welcome Congress workers focused on development.
- The BJP leader cited recent defections, including Sangram Thopte joining BJP and Ravindra Dhangekar joining Shiv Sena, as examples of this trend.
- Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad responded by reaffirming the party's ideological appeal and criticized Bawankule for commenting on Congress's internal dynamics.
- Bawankule accused Congress leadership of lacking a developmental vision, which he claims is driving grassroots disillusionment and defections.