Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, demanded that individuals speaking against the country or engaging in what he described as treasonous activities should be imprisoned — not merely have FIRs registered against them. Shinde made the remarks while targeting the Opposition over its protest march, accusing it of attempting to spread unrest and obstruct India's development.

Shinde Calls Monday a 'Black Day'

Shinde described Monday as a 'black day' in India's history, alleging that both democracy and the Supreme Court had been disrespected by the Opposition's march against the country's highest judicial institution. 'Yesterday will be remembered as a black day in the history of the country because democracy and India's highest judicial institution were disrespected. In India's history, a protest march has never been taken out against the Supreme Court. This is an attack on the country's highest judicial institution. They want to spread unrest and chaos in the country. This is a major, well-planned conspiracy,' he said.

Shinde went further, alleging that the protest was part of an international conspiracy. 'I will say that it is an international conspiracy. Protesting with them is treason. The Leader of the Opposition works like a puppet. It is shameful that they are trying to hinder the country's progress,' he said.

Attack on Rahul Gandhi Over Journalist Incident

Shinde also trained his fire on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over an alleged incident involving a woman journalist during Monday's protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A woman journalist claimed she was three months pregnant and alleged that Gandhi grabbed her hand and pulled her forward before his security personnel pushed her away while she was covering the protest.

Questioning Gandhi's conduct, Shinde said it was inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha to behave in such a manner and accused him of seeking publicity. 'It is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure that they fail,' he said, referring to the Opposition.

Praise for Modi, Dig at Opposition

Shinde praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, saying the country was advancing toward the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. 'PM Modi has taken the country to great heights. He is taking the country forward towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. At a time when the economies of several countries have collapsed, he is taking India from the Fragile Five to the top five,' he said.

He attributed the Opposition's criticism to jealousy, claiming that 140 crore Indians stood with the Prime Minister. He also accused Opposition leaders of being desperate to return to power despite repeated electoral defeats.

Shinde's Strict Action Demand and Lord Shiva Remark

Reiterating his demand, Shinde said: 'Not just an FIR, they should be put in jail if they are speaking against the country or engaging in treasonous activities.' He also reacted to a controversy involving actor Imran Khan following his protest in Mumbai, alleging that forces were attempting to damage India's reputation.

Shinde further criticised Gandhi for allegedly comparing himself to Lord Shiva, calling such comparisons inappropriate. He said those who compared themselves to Lord Shiva should remember the symbolism of the deity's third eye, warning that the INDIA bloc and other Opposition parties would be reduced to ashes by its fire. The remarks come as political temperatures in Maharashtra remain elevated ahead of what analysts see as a sustained battle between the ruling alliance and the Opposition over national narrative.