Maharashtra's political landscape was shaken when Union Home Minister Amit Shah, at a rally in Nanded, invoked Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, stating that if he were alive, he would have embraced Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the success of ‘Operation Sindur.’
Mumbai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Shiv Sena (UBT) during a public gathering in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Monday, May 26. He asserted that if Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray were alive today, he would have embraced Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the success of ‘Operation Sindur.’ Shah described the operation as a decisive counter-terrorism action by India, highlighting India's capability to respond to terrorism in its own language.
He cited Balasaheb Thackeray's consistent support for nationalist policies and decisions, suggesting that Thackeray would have wholeheartedly endorsed this action had he been alive.
What was Amit Shah's statement?
Addressing an election rally in Nanded, Shah stated that if Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he would have been proud of Operation Sindur's success and embraced Narendra Modi. He emphasized Balasaheb Thackeray's consistent support for nationalism and anti-terrorism actions. Operation Sindur, he said, symbolizes India's commitment to its sovereignty and security.
Shah attacked the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT, accusing the party of trivializing issues concerning national unity and security. He criticized the party's description of a seven-party delegation's efforts to strengthen India's diplomatic position against Pakistan as a ‘baraat’ (wedding procession), calling it unfortunate.
Shiv Sena-UBT's sharp retort
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) responded sharply to Shah's statement. Party leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, posted a b reaction on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote that Balasaheb Thackeray wouldn't even allow those who betrayed the Shiv Sena he built to stand at his doorstep.
Danve sarcastically questioned what happened to the six terrorists involved in the attack who identified Hindus before killing them. He asked if they received punishment for their actions.
Questions raised on ceasefire
Ambadas Danve also questioned who pressured for a ceasefire with Pakistan when the entire nation was united against the terrorist attack. He alleged that the government speaks of nationalism on one hand and compromises on the other under the guise of diplomacy. Several Shiv Sena-UBT leaders questioned why the BJP remembers Bal Thackeray only during elections. They questioned whether the BJP genuinely values his ideals or merely uses them for electoral gain.
Political analysts believe that using Balasaheb Thackeray's name for political purposes is not new in Maharashtra's politics, but the growing bitterness between the BJP and Shiv Sena-UBT is evident. While Amit Shah's statement might be a strategy to evoke nationalism, Shiv Sena-UBT perceives it as an attack on its party and its founder's image.
