Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticised the Maharashtra government for selectively summoning comedian Kunal Kamra while remaining silent on actor Rahul Solapurkar’s remarks regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Thackeray questioned the double standards, pointing out that Kamra was summoned twice for allegedly insulting a "traitor," yet Solapurkar faced no repercussions for his controversial statement about Shivaji Maharaj’s escape from Agra Fort. (PICS/Ashish Raje)
Updated on : 27 March,2025 02:08 PM IST | Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
Kamra’s parody song targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led to a violent reaction from Shinde supporters, who attacked a recording studio in Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) has repeatedly referred to Shinde as a "traitor" since his 2022 rebellion, which resulted in the party’s split.
Solapurkar sparked outrage by suggesting that Shivaji Maharaj bribed Mughal officials to escape Agra Fort, contradicting the widely accepted narrative of him hiding in a sweet basket. Right-wing groups strongly objected to Solapurkar’s use of the term "bribe," accusing him of distorting history. Despite the backlash, the state government has not taken any action against the actor, prompting accusations of bias from Thackeray.
Thackeray also targeted the BJP over its 'Saugat-e-Modi' outreach programme for Muslim families, highlighting a shift in the party’s stance. He recalled how BJP leaders had previously accused him of abandoning Hindutva when Shiv Sena received strong support from Muslim voters. The term "Satta-Jihad" was coined to criticise Shiv Sena’s engagement with Muslim communities, but BJP’s own outreach to the same demographic now contradicts its past rhetoric.
Thackeray suggested that BJP’s new approach reflects political opportunism rather than a genuine commitment to inclusivity. He accused the ruling alliance of using different standards when handling cases involving critics of its leadership versus those making contentious historical claims.
The opposition leader questioned whether the BJP’s narrative on Hindutva was merely a tool for political convenience rather than a consistent ideological position. His remarks underscored the ongoing tensions between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra government, particularly over issues of governance, historical interpretation, and political hypocrisy.
