Bhima Koregaon riots accused Sambhajirao Vinayakrao Bhide has claimed that childless couples who ate mangoes from his farms have had babies.
In an exclusive report by India Today, Bhide went on to claim that the fruit from his mango orchards also helps in having a male child if one wishes. Bhide’s rally was part of his mission to reinstate the golden throne on Raigad – Capital of Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
“I have never shared this with anyone except my mother. I have planted these mango trees in my farms. Till now, 180 childless couples took the fruit from me and 150 of them have had children,” Bhide claimed.
“If a couple wants a male child they will have it after eating these mangoes. This mango is useful for those facing infertility,” Bhide further claimed.
But activists have not taken the statement kindly. Noted lawyer and activist Abha Singh has demanded action against Bhide for spreading superstition.
“If this was true, then there would be an explosion of the population as mango is the most popular fruit. But on a serious note, it’s an offense to misguide to people in such a way under the Maharashtra Prevention of Superstition Act,” Singh said.
Political leaders, too, have slammed Bhide for the statement. “He seems to have lost his mental balance. A person who claims to be a nuclear physics graduate makes such laughable claims. But he is known to do that,” Jitendra Awhad said.
“I won’t even demand any action against him as I know the government won’t do it, as it is safeguarding him in even more serious cases,” Awhad added.