Mumbai, April 29 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the BJP in its editorial 'Saamana' on Tuesday, asserting that the Pahalgam terror incident has revealed the party's true nationalism.

It noted that despite the tragic loss of 26 lives in Kashmir, the Prime Minister swiftly engaged in election campaigning in Bihar within 24 hours, issuing threats to Pakistan from there, which they labeled as hypocrisy and a facade of nationalism.

“The era of the BJP has led to a troubling increase in patriotic hypocrisy, undermining the very essence of nationalism in our country. Under the guise of nationalism, numerous 'armies' and 'organizations' have emerged, causing chaos in the name of religion. These courageous individuals should be dispatched to confront the enemy in cities like Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, similar to Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna. Our Indian soldiers are stationed in Kashmir and along the border under extraordinarily challenging circumstances, yet they are being dragged into the murky waters of Indian politics. Even after the loss of 40 soldiers in Pulwama, the response was political maneuvering rather than seeking retribution against Pakistan, and now they merely express their anger regarding the Pahalgam incident,” the editorial titled 'Their Nationalism' stated in Marathi.

It is ironic that the ruling party questions the nationalism and patriotism of others. “Terms like 'nationalism' do not fit those who conduct business with figures like Dawood Ibrahim and Iqbal Mirchi, integrating them into their political party. Their patriotism only surfaces when Pakistan attacks and kills our people,” the Thackeray camp asserted.

“The attacks at Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama, and now Pahalgam serve as stark reminders. Following these attacks, when our soldiers and civilians are lost, the conversation always turns to teaching our enemies a lesson. They have held power for a decade. What actions have they taken during these 10 years to deter our adversaries? Furthermore, it should be noted that the BJP's loud voices will not demonstrate courage by confronting Pakistan at the border. Stopping the flow of the Indus River could cripple Pakistan, but implementing such a 'water bomb' requires the construction of significant dams,” the editorial further stated.

“They made a show of not playing cricket with Pakistan, yet just months ago, during a World Cup in Dubai, Jay Shah, the son of Midhe (Eknath Shinde) from Maharashtra, along with other ministerial sons and BJP leaders, were seen mingling with sheikhs in Dubai, effectively sidelining the Pakistani players. “Didn’t the nation observe them ‘stirring up’ nationalism during the Pakistan-India cricket match?” questioned the Shiv Sena in their editorial.

“Balasaheb Thackeray, the leader of the Shiv Sena, had warned that 'India-Pakistan cricket will not happen, nor will it be permitted', striking concern into the hearts of Pakistanis. 'You are attempting to harm our people in Kashmir, and India will engage in cricket with those who threaten our citizens,' was the stance of Thackeray at that time. However, the 'BJP' family rushed to Mumbai to persuade Balasaheb, saying, 'Sir, do not mix religion and sports with politics. We must maintain diplomatic relations. Please be patient.' Those advising him then are now advocating the closure of the Pakistani embassy in Delhi, proclaiming that we should not play cricket with them,” the editorial noted.

“Jai Shah currently resides in Dubai. Many 'patriotic' BJP leaders' sons are in places like Dubai, Singapore, and Mauritius, profiting from India's resources, while they vocally condemn the attack in Kashmir. They demand to teach Pakistan a lesson. To these 'great patriots', if your love for your country is so profound, why have you chosen to leave it behind and seek fortune abroad? Just as Veer Savarkar longed for his homeland, do you only feel a pang of patriotism when India is attacked? Should the sons of India and those who have sacrificed for our nation live comfortable lives overseas?” the Thackeray camp questioned.

“We urge the Indian government to demonstrate genuine love and commitment to the nation. The visage of patriotism is already waning; thus, it is necessary to reveal the true identities of the brave souls in the BJP and the Sangh Parivar who are spreading falsehoods about ‘waging war’. Publish a list of how many of them have foreign spouses and how many children have permanently settled abroad for employment. Moreover, enact legislation stating that those with children living overseas and foreign spouses cannot hold positions of power in India. Call these children back, provide them with mandatory military training, and send them to the border. Only then will they comprehend that patriotism is not merely a collection of empty words,” the editorial concluded.

“Prime Minister Modi represents a mere bubble of nationalism, while Home Minister Amit Shah resembles a wax figure that melts with each passing day. We envy those who refer to him as the 'Iron Man'. Following the Pulwama and Pahalgam tragedies, Modi and Shah lack the moral authority to remain in power. Amit Shah is an abject failure as Home Minister. It is perilous for someone with a commercial mindset to occupy such a vital position, and appointing someone like him is a national disgrace. The nation is paying the price for this folly,” the editorial stated.