'Black day in history': Eknath Shinde slams Rahul Gandhi over SC march
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde calls the INDIA bloc's march to the Supreme Court a black day and demands an apology from Rahul Gandhi.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following the INDIA bloc's march to the Supreme Court. Describing the protest as a "black day" in the nation's history, Shinde accused the opposition of insulting India's highest judiciary and demanded an apology to the 1.4 billion citizens of the country.
An insult to the Judiciary
Shinde expressed strong condemnation for the decision of the INDIA bloc to organize a march specifically to file a petition. He argued that such an unprecedented move was an attempt to exert undue pressure on the judicial system.
"Marching to file a petition is not a joke, and that's exactly what yesterday's attack on India's Supreme Court was," Shinde stated. He emphasized that the protest was not merely a political demonstration but a direct affront to the sanctity of the Supreme Court. He further insisted that the opposition leaders owe a public apology to the entire nation for their actions.
Allegations of undermining the Constitution
The Deputy Chief Minister accused the opposition of hypocrisy, noting that while they claim to protect constitutional values, their recent actions suggest they are working to weaken democracy. He alleged that the INDIA bloc is actively attempting to suffocate democratic processes and undermine the very Constitution they claim to uphold.
Shinde also raised concerns regarding political demonstrations in the national capital, including protests outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in Delhi. He characterized these activities as dangerous for the country's stability, suggesting that such unrest could be exploited by foreign powers. He specifically mentioned concerns regarding China's influence and its potential desire to prevent India from becoming a stronger global power.
'Rule or Destroy' attitude
Turning his attention to Rahul Gandhi's recent political trajectory, Shinde claimed that the Congress leader has suffered a "hat-trick" of defeats against Prime Minister Modi. He alleged that out of frustration, Gandhi is now resorting to "anarchy" and making "fictitious allegations" regarding vote theft.
Shinde also criticized Gandhi for targeting Chief Justice Surya Kant. He likened Rahul Gandhi's current political stance to the philosophy of "Rule or Destroy," a reference to Abraham Lincoln, suggesting that the frustration of being unable to rule is driving the opposition to attempt to destroy the nation's institutions.
Controversy over 'Shiv ki Baraat' remark
The Deputy Chief Minister also took deep offense at Rahul Gandhi's comparison of the political march to "Shiv ki Baraat." Shinde accused the Congress leader of showing clear disrespect to Lord Shiva.
"Rahul Gandhi was completely on the wrong footing when he compared his march with Shiv ki Baraat," Shinde remarked. He warned that such remarks were disrespectful to Lord Shankar, adding that if the deity were to open his third eye, the entire INDIA alliance would face the consequences.