Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over four hikes in petrol and diesel prices within eight days, asserting that runaway inflation has made the lives of ordinary citizens miserable. The party's broadside came through a scathing editorial in its mouthpiece, 'Saamana', and targeted both the government's economic record and what it described as an attempt to suppress public dissent.

The Fuel Price Trigger

The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction alleged that back-to-back fuel hikes have cascaded into a broader price rise, driving up the cost of essential commodities. The editorial argued that the Central government is acutely aware that inflation could inflame public sentiment and push citizens onto the streets in protest — and is acting out of fear rather than governance.

This comes amid persistent concerns over household budgets being squeezed by elevated fuel, cooking gas, and food prices across India. The Thackeray camp's intervention is part of a sustained opposition campaign framing the ruling dispensation as unresponsive to economic hardship.

The 'Mehngai Dayyan' Song Row

The editorial drew pointed attention to the removal of the song 'Mehngai Dayyan Khaaye Jaat Hai' — from the 2010 film 'Peepli [Live]' — from the social media handle of Aamir Khan Productions. The party alleged that the deletion was driven by government pressure, calling it an act of censorship. 'It is obvious that government pressure and oppression lie behind this,' the editorial stated.

The song, performed in the voice of actor Raghubir Yadav, narrates the economic struggles of a common man and has long served as a cultural shorthand for public resentment against inflation. 'In reality, this is not just a film song; it has been a symbol of public resentment for many years,' the editorial noted.

BJP's Own History Invoked

The Saamana editorial turned the BJP's past against it, pointing out that senior party leaders — including Sushma Swaraj and Smriti Irani — had themselves used the very same inflation song to mobilise protests against the then-Congress government led by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, under whose tenure 'Peepli [Live]' was released. 'Ironically, the Modi-BJP government came to power using the very inflation song they have now banned,' the editorial claimed.

Critics argue this highlights a contradiction: a party that once weaponised public anger over onion, milk, and cooking cylinder prices is now, allegedly, seeking to mute the same sentiment. The Congress, the editorial contended, never resorted to banning protests or songs about inflation — a charge that the ruling party has not formally responded to.

Broader Allegations of Political Suppression

Beyond the economic critique, the Shiv Sena (UBT) editorial escalated its attack by alleging a pattern of political intimidation. It claimed the government deploys agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against political opponents, and specifically cited alleged interference in elections in West Bengal — where it referenced Mamata Banerjee — and in Maharashtra, where Uddhav Thackeray himself is a key figure. The editorial also alleged threats against an unnamed 'online cockroach janata party.'

'The government is so terrified that they have banned the song... It essentially implies: die burning in the fire of inflation, but do not utter a single word of pain. This government must be called absolute cowards,' the editorial said.

What the Party Says Will Happen Next

The Saamana editorial warned that suppressing public expression will not contain the underlying anger. 'Removing this song from social media will not eliminate inflation. On the contrary, the fury simmering in the minds of the public will erupt fiercely,' it said, adding that 'the ban imposed on the song about inflation is just the beginning.' The party signalled it intends to keep pressing the inflation issue as a political flashpoint in the months ahead.