In December 2024, Marathi actress Prajakta Mali found herself at the center of a political firestorm after BJP MLA Suresh Dhas dragged her name into the Beed sarpanch murder case, insinuating inappropriate ties with NCP Minister Dhananjay Munde. The remarks, which went viral, sparked outrage, legal battles, and a nationwide debate on political exploitation of women in entertainment.
prajakta mali viral video with politician
But was there ever a “viral video” of Prajakta Mali? Or was this a smear campaign using her fame for political gains? This 2,000-word investigation uncovers:
✅ The truth behind the “viral video” claims
✅ Prajakta’s emotional press conference & legal fight
✅ BJP MLA’s apology & political fallout
✅ FAQs: Legal, ethical, and social media angles
The Scandal: How Prajakta Mali’s Name Was Weaponized
1. The Beed Sarpanch Murder Case
- On December 9, 2024, Santosh Deshmukh (a sarpanch in Beed) was abducted and murdered for opposing an extortion racket.
- NCP Minister Dhananjay Munde’s aide, Walmik Karad, was accused of masterminding the crime.
2. BJP MLA’s Controversial Remarks
- At a rally, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas attacked Munde, alleging a “Parli pattern” (Munde’s constituency) of inviting actresses like Prajakta Mali to events.
- He named Mali directly, implying familiarity with Parli, which was interpreted as a character slur.
3. The “Viral Video” Myth
- No actual video of Mali with politicians surfaced. The scandal revolved around Dhas’s speech clips going viral.
- Fake links (e.g., “Prajakta Mali bold video”) circulated on shady sites like Scribd, but these were clickbait scams.
Prajakta Mali’s Fightback: Tears, Legal Action & Political Support
1. Emotional Press Conference
- Mali broke down publicly, stating: “Just because I’m an actress doesn’t mean I’m a soft target”.
- Revealed her family’s trauma: Mother couldn’t sleep, brother blocked social media.
2. Legal Measures Taken
- Filed complaints with:
- Maharashtra State Women’s Commission (MSCW).
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who assured action.
- Sent a legal notice to Munde’s wife, Karuna Sharma, for earlier defamatory remarks.
3. Political Reactions
- BJP leaders like Chandrakant Patil condemned Dhas: “Shivaji Maharaj never insulted women”.
- MNS and women’s groups rallied behind Mali.
MLA Suresh Dhas’s Apology: Damage Control
After MSCW’s intervention and police action threats, Dhas climbed down:
- “My words were misinterpreted… I apologize if hurt”.
- Mali rejected the non-apology, calling it “too little, too late”.
The Bigger Issue: Why Are Actresses Political Pawns?
- Gendered Smears: Male actors are rarely targeted for attending political events.
- TRP Politics: Media sensationalism worsens reputational harm.
- Cyber Exploitation: Fake videos/scams thrive on unverified scandals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was there a real viral video of Prajakta Mali?
No. The controversy stemmed from MLA Dhas’s speech, not any video.
2. What legal action did Mali take?
Complaints to MSCW and CM Fadnavis.
Legal notice to Karuna Sharma.
3. Did Dhas face consequences?
Only a forced apology after MSCW’s directive.
4. How did social media react?
#JusticeForPrajakta trended.
Fake links (e.g., Scribd) exploited curiosity.
5. What’s the “Parli pattern”?
Dhas’s term for Munde’s alleged “event management” with actresses.
6. How can such smears be prevented?
Stricter laws against political defamation.
Media accountability for irresponsible reporting.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Maharashtra
The Prajakta Mali scandal exposed how easily women in entertainment can be politically weaponized. While the MLA’s apology marked a partial victory, the fight against gendered smears and cyber exploitation continues.
Your Voice Matters: Should politicians face harsher penalties for defaming public figures? Discuss in the comments!