Will Shiv Sena-UBT Continue to Defend Rahul Gandhi After Supreme Court's Criticism?
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Synopsis
Shiv Sena-UBT leader Anand Dubey defends Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Chinese encroachment following a Supreme Court rebuke. He argues that questioning the government on national issues is patriotic. This article explores the implications of their stance on political unity and governance in Maharashtra.
Key Takeaways
- Shiv Sena-UBT backs Rahul Gandhi on national security concerns.
- The Supreme Court disapproves of Gandhi's comments, leading to public debate.
- Political unity is emphasized through the reconciliation of Raj and Uddhav Thackeray.
- Delay in elections affects public service and governance in Maharashtra.
- Raising questions about government actions is seen as a patriotic duty.
Mumbai, Aug 5 (NationPress) - Shiv Sena-UBT leader Anand Dubey stepped forward on Tuesday to defend the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, following the Supreme Court's criticism regarding his remarks about the Indian Army during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022. He emphasized that questioning Chinese encroachment should not be seen as unpatriotic and reiterated their commitment to speaking in the national interest.
In an interview with IANS, Dubey remarked, "We hold the Supreme Court in the highest regard, but if the LoP is voicing concerns about Chinese occupation of Indian land, he is justified. With a border stretching over 3,400 kilometers with China, persistent tensions exist, and we lost 20 valiant soldiers in Galwan in 2020. In this context, raising such issues reflects patriotism, not criticism."
He further pointed out the significant concern regarding China's occupation of Aksai Chin and Kailash Mansarovar.
"It is the responsibility of the Opposition to question the government. Rahul Gandhi is not a minor leader. While there may be occasional discrepancies in data, we will not be silenced. We will continue to express our concerns in the national interest," he told IANS.
Dubey’s comments followed the Supreme Court's discontent regarding Gandhi’s allegations made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022, where he claimed that the Chinese Army had "captured 2,000 sq km of Indian territory", "killed 20 Indian soldiers", and "assaulted our jawans in Arunachal Pradesh".
Additionally, he welcomed the recent statements from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray about reuniting with his cousin, Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, after two decades of political separation. At a party gathering in Bandra, Raj Thackeray urged his supporters to refrain from internal conflicts and focus on the upcoming elections.
“Raj Thackeray has demonstrated maturity and foresight. After 20 years, these two leaders are coming together to uphold the pride of Marathi identity and language. Their collaboration sends a strong message to all Shiv Sainiks and party members. We must transcend divisions and unite,” he added.
He also stressed that Raj’s call for “80 percent social service and 20 percent politics” is particularly resonant.
“This spirit is essential for collectively combating the damaging policies of the current arrogant regime,” he stated.
On the Supreme Court's decision to allow the Maharashtra State Election Commission to proceed with local body elections under the new ward delimitation including 27 percent Other Backward Class reservations (OBC), Dubey criticized the BJP-led Mahayuti government for allegedly postponing elections despite the court's clear directive.
“The Supreme Court has mandated the conduct of local body elections in the state. In spite of this order, the BJP and Mahayuti government are not holding municipal elections out of fear,” he told IANS.
He highlighted that many civic bodies have been under administrative control since the Covid-19 pandemic, depriving citizens of elected representation and responsive governance.
"This postponement is obstructing vital public services. A government that brands itself a 'double engine' should be capable of conducting timely elections. This situation is unacceptable," he remarked.
Meanwhile, petitions have been submitted in the Supreme Court contesting the implementation of OBC reservations and seeking elections based on the 2022 ward structure. However, the court's directive remains in favor of elections with the OBC quota, a decision supported by Shiv Sena-UBT.
Point of View
It is crucial for the media to remain vigilant and ensure that dialogues about national security and governance are not stifled. The responsibility of the Opposition to question the government is fundamental to democracy, and we must uphold the principles of transparency and accountability while refraining from sensationalism. Thus, it is essential to recognize the importance of unity and strategic discourse in addressing pressing national issues.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rahul Gandhi say during the Bharat Jodo Yatra?
Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Chinese Army had captured 2,000 sq km of Indian territory and claimed the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers.
What was the Supreme Court's response to Rahul Gandhi's comments?
The Supreme Court expressed displeasure over Rahul Gandhi's comments made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, which raised questions about his statements.
What is the Shiv Sena-UBT's position on Chinese encroachment?
Shiv Sena-UBT emphasizes that raising questions about Chinese encroachment is not unpatriotic and stresses the importance of discussing national security.
What did Anand Dubey say about the delay in local body elections?
Anand Dubey criticized the BJP-led Mahayuti government for allegedly delaying local body elections despite the Supreme Court's directive.
How does Raj Thackeray's recent statement impact political unity?
Raj Thackeray's call for unity with Uddhav Thackeray signals a move towards collaboration in protecting Marathi identity and language.
