Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 29: The recent terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed several lives has triggered a fresh political firestorm, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) launching a scathing attack on the BJP through its editorial mouthpiece Saamana. In a strongly worded editorial published on Tuesday, the Thackeray-led faction accused the BJP of indulging in performative nationalism and failing to take meaningful action against terrorism despite being in power for a decade.
Under the headline ‘Their Nationalism’, the Marathi editorial questioned the timing and nature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to the attack, pointing out that he continued his election campaign in Bihar merely a day after the killings. “This is not nationalism — it is hypocrisy wrapped in political spectacle,” the editorial said.
The piece alleged that the BJP’s brand of nationalism thrives on optics, not on ground-level courage or strategy. “They speak of patriotism, but where is the accountability for repeated attacks in Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama and now Pahalgam?” it asked, adding that “while our jawans toil in treacherous terrain, BJP leaders deliver fiery speeches far from the frontlines.”
Calling out what it termed the BJP's "double standards", Saamana lashed out at the party’s alleged past connections with figures like Dawood Ibrahim and Iqbal Mirchi. “Those who questioned the patriotism of others have themselves opened doors to people with links to underworld networks,” it stated.
The editorial also criticised the BJP’s selective outrage, questioning the lack of consistent retaliation despite major attacks on Indian soil. “No meaningful action was taken post-Pulwama. Now too, the government merely issues strong statements after Pahalgam — but where is the substance behind the words?” it asked.
In a particularly sharp jibe, the editorial targeted Home Minister Amit Shah, branding him a “wax statue” who melts under pressure and called his appointment a “national crime.” It added, “His commercial mindset makes him unfit for the high-stakes role of Home Minister. The country is suffering for this misjudgment.”
The BJP’s so-called ‘Hindu nationalism’ was also under fire. “Balasaheb Thackeray never allowed India-Pakistan cricket matches when the nation was hurting. But today, the very BJP leaders who lecture on nationalism were seen enjoying the World Cup in Dubai, seated next to Sheikhs while Pakistani players took the field,” it said, referencing images of BJP leaders' kin watching cricket matches overseas.
The editorial further accused BJP leaders of allowing their children to live luxurious lives abroad while invoking nationalistic sentiments at home. “Make it a law — those whose children live abroad should not hold power in India. Call them back, give them military training and send them to the border. Let them learn what real patriotism means,” it demanded.
In closing, the editorial said the Modi government has no moral right to continue in power. “What kind of nationalism is this that allows deaths of civilians and soldiers repeatedly, while ministers market patriotism like a product? This is not the nationalism India needs,” Saamana declared, urging the people to see through the “hollow slogans” and demand genuine leadership.