Mumbai, May 27 (UNI) Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Raut, on Tuesday strongly criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his recent remarks invoking the party founder late Balasaheb Thackeray.

Responding to Shah’s statement that “if Balasaheb Thackeray were here today, he would have hugged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Operation Sindoor,” he accused the ruling BJP of insulting the legacy of the Shiv Sena founder and the sentiments of Maharashtra.

Addressing media here, Raut said, “If Balasaheb Thackeray were alive today, he would have regretted supporting this government. You are insulting Balasaheb Thackeray, and Maharashtra will not forget this insult.”

He questioned the government’s handling of national security, referencing the recent Pahalgam attack.

“Twenty-six mothers and sisters lost their 'sindoor' (vermillion) in Pahalgam. Who is responsible for this? The Union Home Ministry has failed in its duty. Amit Shah should resign, and the responsibility for this failure rests with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he asserted.

He also criticised the political climate in the state, saying, “Mumbai was submerged yesterday, and yet these leaders are busy playing politics. The grief in the homes of those who lost loved ones has not ended, but the government continues to focus on political gains.”

Raut went on to accuse the BJP of breaking the original Shiv Sena for selfish interests.

“You broke Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena for your own benefit. Would Balasaheb Thackeray have embraced you for that? You are disrespecting his memory,” he shot back at Shah.

He also alluded to international developments, claiming, “After US President Donald Trump’s warning, the government withdrew from conflict with Pakistan and is now politicising Operation Sindoor. If you have any morals left, resign and do not come to Maharashtra.”

Raut concluded by reiterating that Maharashtra would not forgive the perceived insult to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy.

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