25 June,2026 06:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai North-East MP Sanjay Dina Patil. FILE PIC
A political controversy erupted on Thursday after Mumbai North-East Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Dina Patil allegedly used abusive language and issued threats to journalists during an interaction with the media.
The incident comes days after Patil switched from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
According to reports, Patil lost his temper while responding to questions from journalists regarding his recent political move and his differences with the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction. The exchange escalated, with the MP allegedly using expletives and issuing threats in the presence of police personnel.
Patil was heard on camera telling journalists, "If you come back to me again, I will have you beaten up."
He further said, "Write whatever you want, record it, go and complain to the Commissioner. I am saying this right in front of the police."
The controversy comes in the backdrop of another statement attributed to Patil in recent days, in which he allegedly claimed that his family had "five people killed" and warned that those who crossed him would end up "either in the hospital or the cemetery".
The incident has drawn criticism from sections of the media fraternity and opposition parties.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde sought to defuse the controversy, saying he had spoken to Patil.
Shinde said Patil's remarks were not directed at journalists but stemmed from his anger over statements allegedly made by political opponents, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. He added that he had advised Patil to express regret if his comments had hurt the sentiments of journalists.
Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat also apologised on behalf of the party, describing the incident as an emotional outburst rather than a deliberate threat.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction strongly condemned Patil's conduct. Sanjay Raut had earlier written to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti seeking legal action against the MP over his alleged use of threatening language.
Referring to statements purportedly made by Patil, Raut said, "Patil reportedly stated, 'I have killed 5 people before'."
Raut urged the police to investigate the claim and determine whether any cognisable offence had been committed.
"In another incident, Patil allegedly warned, 'If anyone protests against me, I will throw a bomb at them. I will enter their homes and kill them'," Raut claimed.
Meanwhile, several journalists' associations condemned Patil's alleged remarks and demanded an apology as well as action under the relevant legal provisions.
(With IANS inputs)
