Modi told me to shut up when I asked questions, says Maha BJP MP

NAGPUR:A BJP Lok Sabha member from Maharashtra said Narendra Modi does not like being questioned on the government’s plans from his own party colleagues, the first time a sitting parliamentarian from the party has openly criticised the Prime Minister.

Nana Patole, MP from Gondia-Bhandara, launched a salvo at the PM during a function on Friday where he said Modi once got angry at him for raising issues such as problems being faced by farmers during a meeting of parliamentarians.

In the meeting, he said, he had made suggestions such as raising green tax, increasing centre’s investment in agriculture sector and creating an OBC ministry but instead of appreciating his suggestions, Modi got angry and asked him to shut up.

“When the Prime minister is asked questions, he asks you if you have read the party manifesto and are aware of various government schemes,” he said.

Patole is seen to be unhappy with the party for “hobnobbing” with the senior NCP leader Praful Patel, his arch-rival in the region. A former Congress legislator, he joined the BJP during the 2014 general elections and defeated Patel from GondiaBhandara constituency.

The state BJP chief did not comment on Patole’s statements, maintaining that any action against the MP would need to come from the central leadership of the party.

Defending his outburst, Patole said on Saturday, “I know that I am in the hit list of the party. But I hardly bother about it. I am not scared of anyone. I did not wish to be a minister because the union ministers live in a state of fear.”