Is it Time to Revive Maharashtra Dharma? Shiv Sena(UBT)'s Saamana Editorial

Mumbai, May 1 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena(UBT), in its editorial published in 'Saamana' to mark the 66th Foundation Day of Maharashtra, has vehemently criticized the Mahayuti government. The editorial accuses the administration of eroding Maharashtra's identity as a vibrant and progressive state and urges citizens to rekindle their commitment to Maharashtra Dharma.

“Those who follow Delhi's lead have compromised the Sahyadris, which once stood valiantly to support the Himalayas. Is the robust Maharashtra we once knew still present? To preserve the esteemed reputation of Maharashtra, forged through the perseverance and sacrifices of 107 martyrs, the Marathi populace must rise once more. The Maharashtra Dharma needs to be revitalized! As we celebrate Maharashtra Day today, we must truly awaken the essence of Maharashtra. The leaders of the state ought to introspect whether Maharashtra Dharma is genuinely upheld here. What can we expect from those who have conspired to undermine the state's integrity and have traded Maharashtra's pride for Delhi's favor?” questioned the editorial from the Thackeray faction.

“Maharashtra's identity as an industrious and advanced state is being tarnished by the burdens of debt and farmer suicides. We read in the Maharashtra Gita about Maharashtra being a 'Rakat Desha, Kankhar Desha' (a rugged land, a tough land). However, this glory is now relegated to mere poetry and will not endure,” the editorial lamented.

“While Maharashtra's industries are being overshadowed by Gujarat, the youth of Maharashtra are being deprived of employment opportunities. The rulers, who bow before Delhi and Gujarat, are entrenched in power while Maharashtra bears a staggering debt of Rs 9.50 lakh crore due to corruption and the 'khoke' culture, leaving farmers without support,” the editorial stated.

“The ruling alliance has lost sight of what Maharashtra Dharma truly means. What can we expect when power, positions, and titles take precedence over the state's ethos? Betrayal, deceit, and dishonesty have no place in Maharashtra Dharma. Yet, terms like 'betrayal' and 'khoke' have been honored recently in Maharashtra. Who will sing the praises of Maharashtra Dharma now? Some individuals from this state have become adversaries of Maharashtra's principles, following Delhi's agenda and disregarding the honest voices of the Marathi people. They have imposed an 'artificial' government upon Maharashtra, one that dances to Delhi's tune and lacks the people's support, which is a severe blow to our self-respect. This is a betrayal that the Marathi people must never forget,” alleged the Thackeray faction.

On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, Shiv Sena(UBT) urged the Marathi citizens to resolve to hold accountable those who betray Maharashtra and serve Delhi's interests. “That is Maharashtra Dharma! Today, as we celebrate Maharashtra Day, the nation teeters on the brink of conflict. Maharashtra has always risen to the occasion during crises. But where is that resilient Maharashtra now? Some still recognize their Sahyadris identity, pretending to support the Himalayas while actually bowing to Delhi. They have turned Maharashtra into a mere stepping stone for Delhi. This is the tragedy of our Maratha state,” the editorial emphasized.

“In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, Maharashtra witnessed an embarrassing struggle for credit among ruling parties to bring back tourists from Kashmir. Some falsely claimed they were personally financing the rescue, only to be exposed as the operation was conducted at the government's expense. Six tourists from Maharashtra lost their lives in the Pahalgam incident, and while the state mourned, the ruling coalition's petty squabbles for credit were appallingly shameless.”

The editorial further criticized the ruling group, claiming they utilize their power obtained through dishonesty for the welfare of the populace. “Before the elections, they introduced the Ladki Bahin Yojana, promising women Rs 1,500 monthly. Now, after regaining power, they have reneged on their promise, proposing to reduce the amount from Rs 2,100 to Rs 500. This is a betrayal of sisters by their brothers, which has no place in Maharashtra Dharma. Recently, there were attempts in Maharashtra to disturb the grave of Aurangzeb, a historical figure Chhatrapati Shivaji fought against, seeking to erase the legacy of Shivaji and the valor of the Marathas. The site of Aurangzeb's burial is a testament to Shivaji's bravery, yet those in power conspired to obliterate this historical significance. This too is a betrayal of Maharashtra Dharma,” stated the editorial.

“The same group that has neglected Maharashtra Dharma attempted to impose Hindi in Maharashtra through a Tughlaq-like decree. Although this decision was revoked due to widespread public outrage, it unveiled the rulers' disdain for the Marathi language,” the editorial concluded.