The political storm over Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's "Jai Gujarat" slogan had barely subsided when another statement by his party MP, Pratap Jadhav, further fueled the controversy. Jadhav claimed that Mumbai was once the capital of Gujarat, after which opposition parties launched a scathing attack on him, calling it not only a historical blunder but also an affront to Maharashtra's honor.
It is noteworthy that Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, during an event in Pune last week, concluded his speech by praising Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He had said, "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat." It was this very slogan that the opposition targeted Shinde for, stating that he was doing so to please Gujarat leaders, as PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah hail from Gujarat.
Pratap Jadhav's Clarification
On Sunday, Union Minister of State for Health and a Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MP, Pratap Jadhav, attempted to clarify the controversy surrounding Eknath Shinde. He said, "Gujarat is our neighboring state, it is not Pakistan, and politics should not be done on such issues." However, he stirred up a new controversy by adding that during the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Mumbai was also the capital of Gujarat.
His statement has elicited sharp reactions in political circles. The opposition argues that an MP should have historical and geographical knowledge of Maharashtra and neighboring states. Calling Mumbai, which has always been the capital of Maharashtra, the capital of Gujarat is being described as a symbol of political insensitivity and ignorance.
Priyanka Chaturvedi and Aditya Thackeray Attack
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi launched a scathing attack on Jadhav, saying, "This is the same person who betrayed the leadership of his own party for 50 boxes and is now twisting history by becoming a part of the 'Jai Gujarat Party'." She also said that Jadhav had started making statements in a state of delusion out of greed for power.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray also termed the statement as spreading hatred against Maharashtra. He said that this statement is not only unacceptable but also hurtful to the state's pride.
Fadnavis Defends
Amidst the growing controversy, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis came out in support of Shinde. He said that someone's patriotism should not be questioned simply by saying "Jai Gujarat." Fadnavis said that it is natural to express respect for different states and that it is not right to give it a political color.
