The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday strongly condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut for his derogatory remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him an 'aghori'. The ruling party alleged that Raut's comment reflects the opposition's growing frustration and desperation.
BJP's Strong Reaction
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, 'The opposition's frustration has reached new levels. Sanjay Raut not only insulted Prime Minister Modi but also the entire state of Gujarat by suggesting that the prime minister comes from the land of Aurangzeb.' Patra further added that such remarks are unbecoming of a senior leader and show the lack of political decency in the opposition ranks.
Raut's Controversial Statement
Sanjay Raut, while addressing a press conference in Mumbai, had referred to PM Modi as an 'aghori' – a term used for ascetics who meditate in cremation grounds. He also made a controversial reference to Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor known for his intolerance. Raut said, 'The prime minister comes from the land of Aurangzeb, and he behaves like an aghori.'
The Shiv Sena leader's comments have sparked a political firestorm, with the BJP demanding an apology. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, 'This is a deliberate attempt to demean the prime minister and the culture of Gujarat. The opposition is rattled by Modi's popularity and development agenda.'
Political Fallout
Political analysts believe that Raut's remarks could further strain the already tense relations between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (UBT). The BJP has been accusing the opposition of resorting to personal attacks in the absence of a substantive political agenda. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has defended Raut, stating that he was merely expressing his opinion.
The controversy comes ahead of the upcoming state elections, where both parties are expected to lock horns. The BJP has called for a nationwide protest against Raut's comments, while the opposition has accused the ruling party of diverting attention from key issues like inflation and unemployment.
