BJP legislator Gote says in assembly he faces threat to life

BJP MLA Anil Gote Wednesday claimedhis life was under threat andsaid this was happening at a time when his party was in power in Maharashtra.

Gote also alleged his partywas inducting people with criminal background in Dhule, his assembly constituency in North Maharashtra, where civic polls are scheduled next month.

The ruling party legislator made the remarks in the legislative assembly, which is currently having its winter session here.

Gote referred to a purported audio clip wherein a man is saying he wanted to "shoot" him (Gote) using a 'desi katta' (country-made revolver), but could not pull the trigger as he was stopped by a doctor.

"It is my bad luck that I have to face this situation whenmy party is in the government," he said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was present in the House, said he would collect all information and ensure appropriate action.

"Recently, some objectionable content about my wife was circulated by a man called Vinod Thorat who was inducted into the party earlier this month," Gote said.

Gote said he had been fighting criminal elements for almost 30 years.

The MLA added the BJP has fielded 28 candidates with criminal antecedents in the Dhule municipal elections.

Gote, a three-term MLA from Dhule city, has clashed with Water Resources Minister and BJP leader Girish Mahajan over the poll nominations, and announced he would float his own party.

A few years ago, Gote wasarrested in a multi-crore fake stamp paper scam. In the past, he has denied any role in the scam, which was spread across nearly half a dozen states and came to light over 15 years ago.