Sanjay Dina Patil Apologizes After Abusing Journalists

NEW DELHI: Following a heated confrontation with journalists, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Dina Patil issued an apology on Thursday, expressing regret for his actions. He stated, “Ever since I joined the Shiv Sena, I have faced continuous humiliation. When my journalist friends approached me again this morning, I folded my hands and requested them not to ask me any more questions on this matter.”

Despite his request, the situation escalated as he felt cornered by repeated inquiries. “In the confusion and heat of the moment, I unintentionally used inappropriate words. I sincerely express regret to all journalist brothers and sisters for that,” he added.

However, he insisted that it was unjust to disseminate falsehoods or use offensive language concerning his family members, including his wife, daughter, mother, and late father. “You can freely discuss my political stance, but I request that my family be kept out of this,” Patil emphasized.

Earlier that day, Patil, who is among the six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs that joined the ruling Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, had a violent outburst at journalists, threatening them with aggressive language, reportedly saying, “Why are you poking your nose in my affairs? If you come again, I will kill you.” The remarks came when reporters asked about his daughter Rajul Patil’s support of Shiv Sena (UBT).

Additionally, journalists inquired about a letter by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to the Mumbai Police, requesting action over Patil’s earlier provocative statements about using violence against dissenters.

Later, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde intervened, attempting to diffuse the situation as journalists requested his response outside the state legislature complex. He commented, “Sanjay Dina Patil had no intention of insulting journalists. If anyone feels hurt by his comments, he is willing to express regret. I have told him that if he has made any inappropriate remarks, he should apologize.”

Without directly naming Patil, Shinde suggested that the MP’s outburst was a reaction to continuous personal attacks against him, implying that similar language had been used publicly since the Shiv Sena split in 2022. “You have all seen the kind of language being used in front of the media, with references to family members and calls for violence,” he noted. “Sanjay Dina Patil was appalled by such language and is neither against the media nor angry with journalists.”

In the meantime, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis refrained from commenting on the incident, stating, “I was travelling and not fully aware of the controversy. Let me first gather all the information. It is wrong to threaten any individual.”