Uddhav Thackeray Slams BJP Government for India-Pakistan Cricket Match Amidst Terrorism Concerns

In a scathing critique aimed at the BJP-led central government, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), delivered a sharp rebuke over the decision to host India-Pakistan cricket matches. Despite Pakistan’s continued support for terrorist activities targeting India, Thackeray vehemently denounced the government’s stance, deeming it incongruent with the principles of patriotism.

Questioning the Saffron Party’s Patriotism

Thackeray minced no words as he questioned the BJP’s commitment to Hindutva and nationalism. Addressing a public rally in Maharashtra’s Hilgoli district, he juxtaposed the government’s endorsement of an upcoming India-Pakistan cricket match at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium with their fervent calls for patriotism. Thackeray remarked, “You teach us lessons of patriotism and then hold an India-Pakistan cricket match in the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.”

“You teach us lessons of patriotism and then hold an India-Pakistan cricket match in the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.”

The chief of Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed his astonishment at the irony of India engaging in a cricket match with a country known to support Indian Mujahedeen and various terrorist groups. He questioned the logic of India’s stance on patriotism, considering the ongoing threat posed by Pakistan’s support for terrorism.

Condemning the India-Pakistan Match Amidst Ongoing Terrorism

The central point of contention in Thackeray’s criticism is the decision to hold an India-Pakistan cricket match despite Pakistan’s continued involvement in terrorist activities. The match, scheduled for October 14, is set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Thackeray’s strong disapproval of this decision is rooted in the fact that India is essentially normalizing relations with a nation implicated in supporting terrorism against its own people.

Raising the Kulbhushan Jadhav Issue

Uddhav Thackeray did not shy away from raising the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national who has been imprisoned in Pakistan. He questioned the government’s priorities, asking whether they would extend an invitation to Jadhav for the cricket match. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, pointing out that Jadhav is languishing in a Pakistani jail, while the government appears to be prioritizing cricket over securing his release.

“Now you are playing cricket with Pakistan, match will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Are you going to invite Kulbhushan Jadhav for that match? He is rotting in a Pakistani jail,”

Recalling Sushma Swaraj’s Stance on Cricket Matches with Pakistan

Thackeray invoked the memory of the late Sushma Swaraj, a former minister, who categorically stated that India would not participate in cricket matches with Pakistan until their support for terrorism ceased. He applauded Swaraj’s unequivocal stance as a demonstration of true patriotism. Thackeray drew a stark contrast between Swaraj’s principled stance and the current government’s decision to engage in cricket diplomacy.

“This is called patriotism,” Thackeray affirmed, emphasizing that while the government implores citizens to be patriotic, their actions do not consistently align with this sentiment. He expressed disillusionment over the lack of progress in securing Jadhav’s release and criticized the government for its perceived indifference to his plight.

Addressing Accusations of Nepotism

Thackeray also addressed allegations of nepotism leveled against him, acknowledging that his family’s history is well-known to the people of the state. He called out the government for invoking his father’s legacy for electoral gains while concurrently accusing him of nepotism. Thackeray vehemently defended his family’s contribution to the state’s welfare and chastised the government’s selective appropriation of his father’s name.

“We are not asking about your family’s history. But you steal my father too… You need my father for votes and then you also talk about nepotism? You have no right to talk nepotism when you are stealing my father’s name,” Thackeray asserted.

Conclusion

Uddhav Thackeray’s impassioned criticism of the government’s decision to hold an India-Pakistan cricket match in the midst of continued terrorist activities underscores his commitment to prioritizing national security over diplomatic sporting events. His remarks serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in diplomacy and patriotism, urging the government to align its actions with its professed principles.