What Does Uddhav Thackeray's Saamana Say About the Supreme Court's 'True Indian' Remark on Rahul Gandhi?

Mumbai, Aug 6 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed its support for Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Wednesday, challenging the Supreme Court's remarks as “incorrect in every aspect”.

“What has the Supreme Court accomplished by stating that a 'true Indian' would not accuse China of having taken 2,000 square kilometers of Indian territory or suggest that Chinese troops are assaulting Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh?” questioned the Uddhav Thackeray faction in its mouthpiece, 'Saamana', editorial. They argued that since 2014, “the era of deceit has begun in the nation, where those who speak the truth and question the government are labeled as 'anti-India'.”

In a pointed editorial, the Shiv Sena (UBT) asserted that the definition of patriots has shifted since the BJP assumed power in 2014. They noted that individuals praising the government are seen as patriots, while those who challenge it are branded as anti-national. According to the editorial, the ruling government has started issuing certificates of patriotism, while those questioning them are unjustly labeled as anti-national. The editorial condemned this sweeping definition, calling for constitutional institutions to reject it, although it seems that this is not occurring.

The Thackeray camp highlighted the inquiries made by a division bench, featuring Justice Dipankar Dutta and Justice A.G. Masih, regarding statements made by Rahul Gandhi during his Bharat Jodo Yatra while addressing a petition against him.

“How did you know that China consumed 2,000 square kilometers of India? Were you there?” Justice Dutta queried. He further asked, “What proof do you have of the incursion? And why don't you address this matter in Parliament instead of social media?” Justice Dutta also warned Rahul Gandhi that 'no true Indian would make such statements, and if you are a true Indian, refrain from saying such things.' The editorial pointed out that the court's focus on whether Rahul Gandhi is a true Indian was irrelevant to the case, questioning what the court accomplished by making unnecessary remarks about his Indian identity.

In defense of Rahul Gandhi, the Thackeray camp contended that as the Leader of Opposition, he is entitled to question the government on matters of public and national interest concerning national security. “What is wrong with him doing this?” they asked. They criticized the Supreme Court's comment advising Rahul Gandhi to address the issue of Chinese infiltration in Parliament rather than on social media, stating that he has been silenced in Parliament, which is his primary grievance against the government.

“Since 2020, opposition parties have repeatedly attempted to bring up the subject of Chinese intrusion in Parliament. But what happened? Was any discussion permitted? The issue of intrusion was consistently obscured under the guise of 'national security issue'. Is Rahul Gandhi the only one addressing this intrusion in the country? Absolutely not. Even senior BJP leader Dr. Subramanian Swamy has vocally criticized his own government regarding Chinese incursions,” the editorial noted.

The editorial further mentioned that Dr. Swamy has frequently accused China of seizing 4,067 square kilometers of Indian land in Ladakh. He used the Right to Information to request information from the government, but it was denied. Dr. Swamy also sought court intervention to obtain this information. “However, when Dr. Swamy criticizes, he does not offend the feelings of the petitioner. When he claims that China has taken over more than 4,000 square kilometers of land, no one is defamed. But when Rahul Gandhi states that China has occupied 2,000 square kilometers of Indian land, he is vilified,” the editorial highlighted, questioning this apparent hypocrisy.

The Uddhav Thackeray camp pointed out that BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh, Tapir Gao, questioned his government in Parliament in 2019 about Chinese infiltration, asserting that China has encroached significantly into Indian territory by infiltrating 50 to 60 kilometers into Arunachal Pradesh. “But when Rahul Gandhi raises the same concern, it is deemed as a shocking statement. Rahul Gandhi even rode a bike to Ladakh and listened to the local people's concerns about Chinese infiltration, yet the court demands evidence from him,” they added.

“If the Supreme Court questions Rahul Gandhi’s comments regarding China, asserting that a “true Indian” cannot make such statements, then it raises serious concerns,” the Thackeray camp remarked. “Therefore, the Supreme Court should now determine 'who is a true Indian?' Will the Supreme Court create a fact-finding committee to investigate Chinese infiltration?” asked the editorial.