Shiv Sena (UBT) Challenges 'Selective Outrage' on Women's Crimes in Nashik
Synopsis
In a powerful critique, Shiv Sena (UBT) exposes the hypocrisy of Hindutva advocates in Maharashtra, highlighting the need for consistent outrage against all forms of women's exploitation, regardless of the perpetrator's faith.
Key Takeaways
Emergence of selective outrage: The Shiv Sena (UBT) critiques Hindutva proponents for prioritizing political motives over consistent moral values.
Corporate Jihad allegations: Recent discussions in Nashik involve serious accusations of exploitation against Muslim employees.
Hypocrisy highlighted: The editorial calls out political inconsistencies in addressing crimes against women based on the perpetrator's faith.
Call for secular approach: Women's safety should be treated as a universal concern, irrespective of religious affiliations.
Accountability demanded: Political leaders are urged to confront issues of exploitation within their own communities.
Mumbai, April 11 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) has raised concerns about the emergence of a "new breed" of Hindutva advocates in Maharashtra, claiming their outrage is more influenced by political expediency than by steadfast ethical values.
In an editorial featured in the party's publication, Saamana, the faction led by Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray highlighted recent discussions in Nashik regarding allegations of "Corporate Jihad". This controversy involves accusations that Muslim employees of a multinational IT company were enticing Hindu women with job offers, leading to sexual exploitation and attempts at religious conversion.
The editorial points out that political figures linked to the BJP, such as minister Nitesh Rane and legislator Gopichand Padalkar, have spearheaded vigorous protests. While the outrage against such exploitation is warranted, the editorial argues that the political framing has been aggressive, with leaders making impassioned speeches about the alarming nature of Love Jihad in the area.
The editorial sharply criticizes the "hypocritical" inconsistency exhibited by these political factions. They demand Special Investigation Teams (SITs) for inquiries and organize mass marches when a Muslim is implicated, yet overlook the distressing incidents of sexual exploitation carried out by local figures, including self-styled godman Ashok Kharat and NGO operator Ravindra Erande from Nashik.
“The scope of the alleged misconduct by these 'godmen' is alarming. Ashok Kharat stands accused of exploiting countless women under the pretense of 'purification rituals' and 'Yoni-Puja'. Reports indicate the existence of over 100 videos capturing these acts, which include drugging victims and using blackmail to ensure silence. Even pregnant women were not spared. Recently, Ravindra Erande was apprehended with 121 obscene videos, allegedly trapping women with promises of government jobs or business support, later exploiting them and recording the incidents for blackmail,” stated the editorial.
The Thackeray faction contends that the safety and dignity of women should be a "secular" issue, treated with equal seriousness, irrespective of the perpetrator's faith, asserting that "True Hindutva" embodies the protection of women and a resolute stance against superstition and hypocrisy.
According to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, if there is a genuine intent to seek justice for the women of Nashik, those leading the protests must confront the "sins" within their own community.
“While the 'Corporate Jihad' deserves condemnation, the exploitation of women by figures like Kharat and Erande must also be condemned with equal intensity. Today, it seems the "sins" of these hypocritical Hindutvavadis are the most visible in the waters of the Godavari. Violence against women should, at the very least, be a secular issue,” it asserts.
Point of View
It urges all factions to address exploitation without bias. This reflects a broader societal concern about accountability and consistency in advocacy efforts.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Corporate Jihad'?
It refers to allegations that Muslim employees of an IT firm were luring Hindu women into exploitative situations under the guise of job offers.
Who are the key figures mentioned in the editorial?
The editorial mentions BJP's Nitesh Rane, Gopichand Padalkar, Ashok Kharat, and Ravindra Erande.
What does Shiv Sena (UBT) suggest about women's safety?
They argue that women's safety should be treated as a secular concern and calls for equal condemnation of all forms of exploitation.
What actions does the Shiv Sena (UBT) advocate for?
They call for introspection within communities and consistent outrage against all perpetrators of women's exploitation.
How does the editorial characterize the response of Hindutva advocates?
It describes their response as hypocritical, highlighting their selective outrage based on the perpetrator's religion.
