A political uproar has emerged in Gujarat following remarks made by Raj Thackeray, the chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). His comments targeted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in India’s independence, and former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Leaders from the Congress party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Patidar community have united to condemn Thackeray’s statements. They have called for him to be banned from entering Gujarat and for a formal complaint to be filed against him.
On Friday, during a rally in Thane, Thackeray accused the Gujarat government of ignoring violence faced by migrants from Bihar. He claimed that while incidents in Maharashtra drew national attention, similar events in Gujarat did not. Thackeray also alleged that both Patel and Desai had an anti-Marathi stance post-independence. These comments sparked immediate backlash across Gujarat.
Amit Chavda, the president of Gujarat Congress, expressed outrage, stating, “Speaking against Sardar Saheb is like throwing dust at the sun.” He highlighted Patel’s role in uniting India and warned that political actions against Gujarat would not go unanswered. Isudan Gadhvi, the AAP state president, described Thackeray’s comments as an insult to all Gujaratis and urged the Chief Minister and BJP leaders to take action.
Patidar leader Manoj Panara took a proactive step by filing a petition in Morbi. He demanded a sedition case against Thackeray and a ban on his entry into Gujarat. Panara vowed to pursue legal action against him for his remarks. Another Patidar leader, Alpesh Kathiria, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Thackeray has no right to insult national icons. He warned that such comments were unacceptable and must be condemned.
The growing tensions surrounding Thackeray’s comments come at a time when MNS workers have been pushing for the use of Marathi in Maharashtra. Reports indicate that some workers have even assaulted shopkeepers who did not respond in Marathi, further escalating regional divides. The situation highlights how Thackeray’s recent comments have intensified existing tensions between Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Lalji Patel, president of the Sardar Patel Group, accused Thackeray of fostering an anti-Gujarati mindset. He warned that Thackeray’s narrow mentality would hinder his chances of becoming a national leader. The backlash from Gujarat’s political and social leaders shows a strong defense of Sardar Patel’s legacy and a demand for accountability from Thackeray.
As the controversy unfolds, the demands for a formal case against Thackeray and a ban on his entry into Gujarat continue to grow. Political leaders in Gujarat are standing firm in their condemnation, and the incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding regional identities and historical figures in India. The unity among various political and community leaders in Gujarat reflects a commitment to protecting the legacy of Sardar Patel against perceived insults. The political landscape in both states may shift as the fallout from Thackeray’s comments continues to resonate.