Raj Thackeray’s Sardar Patel Remarks Spark Outrage in Gujarat
Congress, AAP, and Patidar leaders demand FIR and ban on Thackeray.
Gujarat’s Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Patidar leaders fiercely criticized Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday for his controversial remarks about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, demanding an FIR and a ban on his entry to the state.
During a rally in Thane on Friday, Thackeray claimed that migrants from Bihar faced violence in Gujarat without issue, while minor incidents in Maharashtra drew national attention. He also accused Patel and Desai of holding an anti-Marathi stance post-independence, prompting a swift backlash.
Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda condemned the remarks, stating, “Speaking against Sardar Saheb is like throwing dust at the sun.” AAP state president Isudan Gadhvi called Thackeray’s comments an insult to all Gujaratis and urged Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP state president CR Paatil to file an FIR. “Sardar Patel united 565 princely states, leaving only Rs 261 at his death—yet Thackeray dares to defame him,” Gadhvi said.
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Patidar leader Manoj Panara submitted a petition in Morbi demanding a sedition case against Thackeray and a ban on his entry to Gujarat, vowing to pursue legal action. Alpesh Kathiria, another Patidar leader, declared that Thackeray has no right to insult national icons. Lalji Patel of the Sardar Patel Group accused Thackeray of harboring an anti-Gujarati mindset, warning that his “narrow mentality” would prevent him from becoming a national leader.
The controversy follows recent MNS actions, with party workers aggressively pushing for Marathi language use in Maharashtra, including reported assaults on shopkeepers for not responding in Marathi. The escalating tensions highlight deep regional divides, with Gujarat’s leaders uniting to defend Patel’s legacy and demand accountability for Thackeray’s provocative statements.
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