Does Shiv Sena-UBT Reject Violence in the Wake of Shopkeeper Incident?

Mumbai, July 4 (NationPress) As political tensions escalate in Maharashtra over the imposition of the Hindi language, Shiv Sena-UBT spokesperson Anand Dubey firmly criticized the comments made by BJP leader and Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane concerning a recent assault incident.

Dubey asserted that his party stands against any type of violence or assault and accused the BJP of exploiting the situation to incite communal discord.

This controversy arises from a recent event where a shopkeeper was allegedly assaulted for not speaking Marathi. In response, BJP leader Nitesh Rane provocatively challenged Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), urging them to confront Muslims who he claimed also do not speak Marathi. Rane warned that if Hindus were targeted, the 'third eye' of the Mahayuti government would be awakened.

In a statement to IANS, Anand Dubey declared: 'Our party unequivocally opposes any form of violence or assault. Individuals who communicate in Hindi, Gujarati, or Marwari are our fellow citizens who have lived and worked in Maharashtra for many years. We encourage learning Marathi, a beautiful language inscribed in the Devanagari script. The Shiv Sena-UBT is even willing to teach Marathi to those interested.'

He highlighted that the recent assault was a personal dispute and should not be exaggerated.

'This is not a linguistic issue. The BJP is attempting to politicize the matter for electoral gain. We, in the Shiv Sena-UBT, advocate for harmony, peace, and unity among all communities,' he added.

Dubey also addressed AIMIM leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi’s recent critiques of the Uttar Pradesh administration for allegedly enabling vigilante groups to intimidate hotel workers during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. Owaisi questioned the allowance of such groups acting as a 'parallel government,' citing reports of pilgrims coercing men to undress to 'prove their religion.'

Dubey replied: 'The Kanwar Yatra is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage where devotees honor Lord Shiva. While maintaining security is essential, law enforcement must be conducted respectfully and within legal boundaries. Mixing faith with aggression is unacceptable. Sentiments must be safeguarded, but not at the expense of dignity. Law enforcement should exercise sensitivity and discretion.'

Responding to Owaisi’s announcement regarding AIMIM possibly contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections with the INDIA Bloc, Dubey clarified the Shiv Sena-UBT’s position.

'Political alliances are internal matters of a party. The AIMIM is not a member of the INDIA bloc, while the RJD is. Bihar’s political environment is unique, and each state possesses distinct socio-political dynamics. The politics of Maharashtra cannot be equated with that of Bihar,' Dubey stated.

Furthermore, Dubey commented on the ongoing debate regarding the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the Bihar elections. Several opposition parties, including members of the INDIA Bloc, have raised significant concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement, alleging that the SIR could lead to the removal of over two crore voters.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has defended the procedure as fair, inclusive, and transparent, stating that the aim is to incorporate all eligible voters while eliminating only those who are not.

Despite this reassurance, Dubey voiced skepticism, referencing past worries regarding the neutrality of the Election Commission.

'We expect CEC Gyanesh Kumar to ensure that there is no tampering or negligence in the electoral roll. Every Indian citizen wishing to register to vote must be permitted to do so through a fair and transparent process. The BJP’s political maneuvers should not disrupt democracy,' he stated.

'We have observed a golden age of election commissioners like T.N. Seshan, who upheld the integrity of the democratic process. Nowadays, however, it appears that the Election Commission is increasingly influenced by the Central government. We hope Gyanesh Kumar will take steps to restore public confidence, especially with the Bihar elections approaching.'