Maharashtra Deputy CM's 'Jai Gujarat' Remark Sparks Controversy
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ignited controversy with his 'Jai Gujarat' remark during a speech in Pune, following an attack on a shopkeeper by MNS workers. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accuse him of disrespecting Maharashtra's identity. While Congress leader Nana Patole condemned the statement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Shinde, asserting that it does not imply a preference for Gujarat over Maharashtra. The incident has raised concerns about regional loyalty and the treatment of shopkeepers in Mumbai, further complicating the political landscape in the state.
| Jul 4, 2025, 19:40 IST
Controversy Erupts Over 'Jai Gujarat' Chant
In the midst of ongoing disputes following an attack on a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde concluded his speech on Friday with the chant 'Jai Gujarat' after initially shouting 'Jai Maharashtra.' Speaking at an event in Pune, Shinde praised Home Minister Amit Shah and wrapped up his address with slogans like 'Jai Hind,' 'Jai Maharashtra,' and 'Jai Gujarat.' His remarks drew sharp criticism from the opposition, with NCP (Sena) leader Clyde Crasto accusing the Deputy Chief Minister of being power-hungry.
Congress Leader Condemns Shinde's Remarks
Congress leader Nana Patole condemned Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan, stating that it disrespects Maharashtra's motherland and the Marathi language. Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut from the Uddhav faction shared a clip of Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' chant on the social media platform X, commenting, 'Shah Sena, Shah Sena!' In contrast, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Shinde, asserting that just because Shinde said 'Jai Gujarat' does not imply he loves Gujarat more than Maharashtra. Such narrow-minded thinking does not suit the Marathi people.
Violence Against Shopkeepers Raises Concerns
The controversy surrounding the chant intensified following a viral video showing MNS workers assaulting shopkeepers in Mumbai for allegedly refusing to speak in Marathi. Responding to questions about this incident, Fadnavis emphasized that while respect for the Marathi language is essential, violence will not be tolerated. During a press conference, he reiterated that hooliganism in the name of Marathi will not be accepted. He also recalled an instance when Sharad Pawar had chanted 'Jai Maharashtra, Jai Karnataka' during the unveiling of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Karnataka, questioning whether that meant Pawar loved Karnataka more than Maharashtra.