After campaign dare by rival, MP takes Lok Sabha oath in English

NASHIK: A newly-elected Maharashtra MP, who was mocked by an electoral rival for his alleged inability to speak either English or Hindi, took the oath of office Tuesday as a member of 18th Lok Sabha in English and received an ovation from a section of members after he completed the oath.

Ahmednagar MP Nilesh Lanke (44), who contested on an NCP (SCP) ticket, had been at the receiving end of barbs about his language skills from the man he went on to defeat by around 28,000 votes - BJP's Sujay-Vikhe Patil.

During campaigning, Sujay declared he would withdraw his candidature if Lanke could speak either English or Hindi after a month's practice.

"Today, I took the oath in English as an MP. I am fully aware of the immense responsibility this moment carries. I am committed to fulfilling my duties towards the people of my constituency with complete dedication and integrity. I am constantly working to live up to the trust the people have placed in me," Lanke wrote on X.

NCP (SCP) MP from Shirur Amol Kolhe heaped praise on his party colleague. "Don't underestimate the power of the common man! Yes, Lanke can talk in English," he said. Meanwhile, NCP (SCP) Ahmednagar district chief Rajendra Phalke said, "I hope Sujay watched Lanke take the oath of office."

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