Mumbai, March 2 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) asserted on Monday that a genuine leader does not "capitulate"; rather, they remain resolute in the face of conflict, referencing the passing of Ayatollah Khamenei, who lost his life due to airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran.

The party, led by Uddhav Thackeray, remarked that Khamenei departed from this world without yielding to any authority to preserve his life.

In an editorial featured in the party's publication 'Saamana', the Thackeray faction emphasized that Khamenei did not abandon his homeland, conceal himself in a bunker, or solicit foreign assistance during recent tensions. "He stood unwavering against global superpowers and achieved martyrdom for Iran. Khamenei was a leader of unwavering self-respect, remembered not merely for his title, but for his patriotism," the editorial stated.

“In a touching dialogue with a young boy eager to sacrifice himself for his country, Khamenei advised, 'Son, focus on your studies. Become a scientist. Enjoy your life. Don’t rush to die. If the situation demands, we are all prepared to embrace death for our country.' He honored this commitment, remaining steadfast even amidst American and Israeli bombardments,” the editorial noted.

The article pointed out a campaign of "shared intimidation" by Israel and the United States, which it views as perilous to humanity. It accused these nations of intervening in sovereign territories—often cloaked in the pretense of democracy or neutralizing nuclear threats—primarily to seize oil and mineral resources.

The editorial listed specific examples, including attacks that persisted despite Iran's reported willingness to abandon its nuclear ambitions. It cited an Israeli strike on a girls' school that allegedly resulted in the deaths of over a hundred children and highlighted the widespread devastation inflicted upon the Palestinian populace. The deaths of Libya’s Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein were framed as outcomes of this same international meddling," it asserted.

The Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray, raised pointed inquiries regarding India’s present leadership. While Iran has historically supported India on the Kashmir issue and provided oil at discounted prices, India has mostly remained mute during this crisis, it noted.

“This silence is a result of 'capitulation' to the influence of President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The ruling party in India has opted for silence due to technological and strategic 'mantras' offered by Israel, including Pegasus spyware and electoral 'science', it argued.

As Iran enters a 40-day mourning period, the editorial remarked on the divided nature of the international community. While traditional allies like Russia and China have adopted a neutral stance or issued "hollow threats", the 86-year-old Khamenei's passing during the month of Ramzan is perceived by his supporters as a lesson in the struggle for one's nation.

“Will Prime Minister Modi observe even a moment of mourning for a 'true ally', or will fear of backlash from Trump and Netanyahu ensure his continued silence?” the editorial posed.