Thackeray Challenges Government to Protect Citizens From Fake Spiritual Leaders

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena-UBT President Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday called for a strict crackdown on “fraudulent godmen” following the arrest of Ashok Kharat, also known as Bhondu Baba, a self-proclaimed cosmology expert and Merchant Navy captain accused of raping a female follower. The arrest by Nashik police has not only exposed Kharat’s alleged criminal activities but also sparked a political controversy in the state.

Speaking at a press conference after inaugurating an Export-Import Logistics course in Mumbai, Thackeray demanded that investigations go beyond the individual and probe the political connections that may be supporting such fake spiritual leaders. Using the phrase “Om Phat Swaha,” he mocked superstitious practices and urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to enforce Maharashtra’s Anti-Superstition laws rigorously, regardless of political affiliations.

Thackeray criticised the intersection of politics and superstition in Maharashtra, noting that while the state has a robust Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act, its effectiveness is undermined when “guardians of the law” follow these godmen. He alleged that controversies like Kharat’s arrest are being used to distract the public from more pressing issues, including ongoing scandals he referenced as the “Epstein Files.”

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Addressing questions about the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government reportedly providing 3.9 million litres of water to Kharat’s ashram, Thackeray said, “I have no objection—conduct a full inquiry into everyone. Let us see how deep the water goes. Whether it’s a village godman or someone associated with a political party, action must be taken against all of them.” He called for a comprehensive investigation and strict punishment for those found guilty.

Thackeray also contrasted his party’s focus on development with the current political climate. He highlighted initiatives like logistics courses and industrial growth but lamented that the discourse in Maharashtra has degenerated into “planting lemons and sticking pins,” referring metaphorically to superstitious practices promoted by fake spiritual leaders.

Concluding his remarks, Thackeray suggested that Chief Minister Fadnavis establish a “Ministry of Cover-ups,” alleging that the present administration is attempting to conceal wrongdoing by leaders. He reiterated that Maharashtra can only be considered a modern state if it eliminates the influence of fraudulent spiritual figures and ensures accountability for those who exploit superstition for personal or political gain.

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