Mumbai, March 23 (NationPress) The leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Raj Thackeray, expressed his deep dismay on Monday regarding the shocking revelations surrounding the self-styled 'royal astrologer' Ashok Kharat case, casting a spotlight on the moral decline of a state that was once celebrated for its seers and reformers.

He pointed out the glaring disparity between the Maharashtra represented by revered figures such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, and Gadge Baba, and the present, where dubious characters like Kharat are said to flourish under political protection.

"We have imparted the illustrious traditions of Maharashtra to our youth — from the spiritual enlightenment nurtured by Prabodhankar Thackeray to the intellectual brilliance of Lokmanya Tilak. Witnessing contemporary leaders forsake reason and the teachings of 'Gita Rahasya' to bow before someone like Kharat is not merely unfortunate; it is alarming," Raj Thackeray remarked in his post on X.

Thackeray's remarks highlighted a "tragic irony" where numerous sitting MLAs implicated in this scandal are the very ones who enacted the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act in December 2013. This indicates a troubling shift where the quest for political power has overshadowed the commitment to rational thought.

He pointed to a disturbing trend in the state's political landscape, characterized by a relentless pursuit of power, fears of losing influence, and bureaucratic collusion. “A frantic dash for election tickets, coupled with a fixation on securing ministerial positions. The constant dread of being replaced by new allies drives leaders to seek 'miraculous' solutions from self-proclaimed godmen. Allegations suggest certain officials have turned into "planners and advisors" for ministers, merely to maintain proximity to power," he noted.

While acknowledging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ assertion that the government brought the case to light, Thackeray questioned the timing of this revelation.

“If the government is to claim credit for the investigation, it must also bear the responsibility for the intelligence lapses that permitted this to transpire under their oversight," he stated.

He further pointed out, “There are increasing rumors that this case is being wielded as a political weapon to 'clip the wings' of ambitious adversaries, with concerns that the investigation may be abandoned once political concessions are achieved.”

Raj Thackeray delivered a stern admonition to the media. “Do not become tools in this 'Dhobi-pachhad' (wrestling-move) political scheme. Ensure this case does not fade away until Kharat and his benefactors receive the strictest punishment.”

He also cautioned the populace, “Despite our traditions of Kirtan and Dnyaneshwari, if we persist in electing such representatives, Maharashtra's future is at risk.”

Raj Thackeray concluded by reaffirming his commitment to enlighten the younger generation about Maharashtra's genuine, progressive identity, urging the state to reject the "shamelessness" of those who barter ethics for political survival.