Eknath Shinde Labels UPA's Inaction After 26/11 as 'Treachery', Praises Modi's Strong Stance Against Pakistan

Mr Shinde also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of echoing Pakistan's position.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly criticized the UPA government on Thursday, labeling their decision not to strike Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack as "treachery" committed "under someone's pressure."

Speaking at his party's annual Dusshera rally in Mumbai, Shinde directly addressed former Union minister P Chidambaram's recent remarks while also launching pointed attacks at Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of undermining his own party colleagues.

"The deaths of hundreds of people in the 2008 terror attack, and your failure to retaliate against Pakistan under external pressure demonstrates helplessness and cowardice. This represents dishonesty toward the country and treachery against the Indian people," Shinde declared, referencing Chidambaram's statement.

Shinde contrasted this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm response to the Pahalgam terror attack, stating, "Blood was met with blood and cannons responded to bullets." He praised the Prime Minister for teaching Pakistan a stern lesson and establishing that no foreign power would intervene between India and its neighbor. "Only PM Modi could make such a stand, which should be a source of national pride," he added.

Chidambaram had recently revealed in a podcast that while he personally favored military retaliation following the 26/11 attacks, the UPA government ultimately decided against it, noting that international powers including the United States had urged India to avoid initiating a war.

Continuing his criticism, Shinde dismissed Pakistan's significance, saying, "Who is Pakistan compared to us? A jackal cannot transform into a lion simply by wearing its skin. A lion remains a lion, and Prime Minister Modi exemplifies that strength."

Targeting the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde provocatively suggested, "Your rally should have been held in Pakistan with Pakistan army chief Asim Munir as chief guest," alleging that Thackeray's group had questioned the Indian armed forces' valor and "spoke Pakistan's language."

This comment came in response to earlier statements from Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders suggesting that Shinde should hold his rally in Surat and invite Home Minister Amit Shah. Shinde retorted, "Our rally is proudly held in India, and we would not hesitate to invite Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Surat if needed. You lack the moral authority to criticize us."

Shinde also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of aligning with Pakistan's positions and criticized Uddhav Thackeray for allegedly working against the interests of his own party members.

"How can someone be considered a leader when they consistently suppress their own party colleagues? Is there any comparable leader in other political parties who undermines their own team?" questioned Shinde, who split from Thackeray in 2022, dividing the original Shiv Sena.

"He habitually labels anyone who leaves the party as 'garbage,' but will he ever engage in self-reflection?" the Deputy Chief Minister asked.

Shinde characterized the previous UPA government as corrupt, asserting that Prime Minister Modi had ensured that corrupt individuals faced legal consequences after taking office.

The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP would contest all upcoming local body elections as a unified alliance.

Addressing the recent severe flooding in Maharashtra that caused widespread damage, Shinde noted that many weddings had been postponed due to the natural disaster and assured affected families, "The Shiv Sena will support these weddings."