Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s remarks, “Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat”, while concluding his speech in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, added a new twist to the political turmoil the state has been witnessing over the language row. The Shiv Sena UBT instantly latched onto it, launching a broadside, and the Congress and the NCP (SP) too joined the chorus with stinging criticism.
Shinde’s remarks came during a function organised by the Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre in Pune on Friday. While loading fulsome praise on Home Minister Shah for his role in the formation of the government under him, Shinde said, “He (Shah) turns challenges into opportunities. He stood like a mountain behind me”. While concluding the speech, the Dy CM said, “Jai Maharashtra and Jai Gujarat” which turned into a political storm.
Soon thereafter, Shiv Sena leaders MP Sanjay Raut, Sushma Andhare lashed out at him. While posting the video clip of Shinde’s remarks, Raut asked how he could be a part of the state cabinet.
Andhare said, “Shinde has betrayed Maharashtra. It was the highest level of sycophancy at a time when he was feeling sidelined due to the importance being given to the NCP leader, Dy CM Ajit Pawar”.
NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad said, “This was the gravest mistake at a time of doom”. Meanwhile, CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday defended his cabinet colleague over the remarks.
Just because Shinde said Jai Gujarat, it doesn't mean that Shinde loves Gujarat more than Maharashtra, Fadnavis told reporters. “Such narrow-minded thinking doesn't befit Marathi manoos,” he said.
Putting his side, Shinde told the media persons that he was speaking before the audience, mostly comprising the Gujarati community. “They have been living here for generations, and the project inaugurated is for people from all communities. I chanted "Jai Gujarat to praise their efforts”.
But, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Harshwardhan Sapkal demanded Shinde's resignation, terming it as a political slavery and betraying the state's pride.
