Daijiworld Media Network - Nashik
Nashik, May 28: Tensions flared within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance on Wednesday after a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader threatened Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, calling him "Mafi-veer" — a jibe referencing Savarkar's clemency petitions during British rule.
Bala Darade, Nashik city chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), vowed to blacken Rahul Gandhi’s face and even pelt stones at Congress leaders’ convoy if they visited Nashik, Savarkar’s birthplace. Speaking to a Marathi news channel, Darade said, “We are proud of Savarkar. Rahul Gandhi’s comment was insulting. We condemn it. We will blacken his face or pelt stones at his convoy.”
Darade’s remarks came on the birth anniversary of Savarkar and have prompted sharp reactions from both allies and adversaries. A local resident, Devendra Bhutada, has also filed a defamation case against Gandhi, citing emotional distress caused by his statements.
Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare distanced the party from Darade’s threat, stating that his views were personal and not reflective of Uddhav Thackeray’s official position. However, the incident has exposed growing friction within the MVA coalition.
The Congress responded strongly, with Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal defending Gandhi, asserting that his comments were historically grounded and backed by sources like former BJP minister Arun Shourie’s writings on Savarkar. “Congress leaders have sacrificed their lives for the country’s unity. We are not afraid of such threats,” Sapkal added.
Former Congress minister Yashomati Thakur also backed Rahul, saying he merely echoed what is already documented in history books.
Despite being coalition partners in the MVA and the national opposition bloc INDIA, the incident underscores fragile ties between Congress and Sena (UBT), particularly over ideological issues like Savarkar’s legacy.
The war of words comes on the heels of a disappointing performance by the MVA in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured 235 of 288 seats — BJP alone winning 132, with Shinde’s Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP winning 57 and 41 seats respectively. In contrast, the MVA managed just 46 seats — with Uddhav’s Sena at 20, Congress 16, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP with 10.
Whether this incident will remain a political flashpoint or snowball into a larger crisis for the opposition alliance remains to be seen.