Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly criticized Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and other opposition leaders for not attending the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya temple.
Shah accused Thackeray of declining the invitation due to alleged fear of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. Speaking at a public rally in Maharashtra’s Amaravati, Shah condemned the absence of Thackeray and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, asserting that their absence amounted to disrespecting Lord Ram.
Shah didn’t hold back in his criticism of Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of abandoning the principles of Shiv Sena’s founding father, Bal Thackeray. He pointed to a recent incident where a Shiv Sena member, Umesh Kolhe, was murdered, alleging that Thackeray failed to take action.
Shah emphasized that the current leadership, particularly Eknath Shinde, embodies the true spirit of Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy. He pledged to ensure the safety of citizens under the new government, stressing that such incidents would not be tolerated.
The murder of Umesh Kolhe, who was killed by three assailants in June 2023, was highlighted by Shah during his address. Kolhe’s death occurred shortly after he expressed support for former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, who had made contentious remarks about Prophet Mohammed on WhatsApp.
Shah’s remarks underscored the broader political tensions and security concerns surrounding such incidents.
Shah rallied support for the BJP’s candidate Navneet Rana, who is contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Amravati. Rana, previously an independent supported by the NCP, has aligned herself with the BJP, drawing attention to her shift in political allegiance.
The voting for the Amravati constituency is scheduled for April 26 as part of the second phase of Lok Sabha polling, encompassing various assembly seats across the region.
Navneet Rana’s political journey from being an independent candidate with NCP support to now representing the BJP reflects the complex dynamics of Maharashtra’s political landscape. Her transition highlights the fluid nature of political affiliations and the strategic maneuvers undertaken by politicians to secure electoral success.
Shah’s remarks serve to energize BJP supporters and underscore the party’s commitment to issues such as religious identity and national security.
The absence of key opposition figures at the Ayodhya event has become a focal point of political debate, with Shah framing it as a matter of disrespect towards Hindu sentiments and the legacy of Lord Ram.
Comments