Mumbai, February 9: NCP leader and Maharashtra government minister Chhagan Bhujbal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding strict action regarding the alleged vandalism of a statue of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in Telangana. Bhujbal described this incident as a direct attack on social equality and constitutional values, urging the central government for immediate intervention.
In his letter, Bhujbal condemned the attack on the statue of the social and educational reformer, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, which occurred in the village of Tellapur, Sangareddy district, on February 7, 2026. He labeled the act as extremely condemnable, cowardly, and a serious criminal offense.
He emphasized that this incident not only hurts the sentiments of millions of followers but also strikes directly at the principles of social equality, education, and humanitarian ideology.
Highlighting Mahatma Phule’s contributions, Bhujbal noted that he established the country’s first girls’ school in 1848, laying the foundation for women’s education. He trained Savitribai Phule, the first female teacher in India, and fought against practices like Sati, child marriage, and the oppression of widows. Additionally, he opposed untouchability and the caste system, organizing the marginalized, women, farmers, and laborers to pave the way for social revolution. By founding the Satyashodhak Samaj, he laid a strong foundation for an egalitarian society.
Bhujbal asserted that the attack on such a great social reformer’s statue is an attempt to spread discord and unrest in society, which cannot be accepted under any circumstances. He accused certain anti-social elements of being intimidated by symbols of social justice and women’s education.
The NCP leader demanded that the culprits involved in this incident be promptly identified and arrested, that stringent legal action be taken against them, and that a new and respectful statue be erected in place of the damaged one. He also called for adequate security measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Bhujbal concluded that society will never tolerate the disrespect of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, emphasizing the need for swift and strict action in this matter.