Bhayandar: Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik has issued a legal notice on Dilip Jain, the newly appointed BJP district president, Mira-Bhayandar, for allegedly defaming him

According to the notice issued by Adv Rajdev A Pal, Jain had vide his letter dated May 21, 2025 addressed to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar made disparaging remarks about Sarnaik.

The letter contains “false, malicious, and politically motivated allegations” intended to tarnish Sarnaik’s reputation and career. The contents of the complaint were reportedly disseminated widely on social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp.

According to the notice, the allegations are baseless, fabricated, and aimed at undermining public trust in both Sarnaik and the MahaYuti government. Sarnaik asserted that as an MLA representing Ovala-Majiwada for over 15 years, his conduct has been above board and unblemished.

The notice has asked Jain to issue a written public apology within 72 hours in both Marathi and English newspapers and retract his complaint. Sarnaik has warned Jain that failure to comply will invite civil and criminal proceedings, including a defamation suit seeking damages of Rs 10 crore.

The legal action underscores the rising tension between political factions in the Mira Bhayandar area. The cold war between BJP MLA Narendra Mehta and Sarnaik (Shinde faction) has now seeped down to the second row leaders also.