Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi’s recent comment ‘Mera Baap Gaddar Hai’ targeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his son Shrikant Shinde has sparked controversy, with the rival Shiv Sena criticising her for the remarks.
During a campaign event for Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Sanjay D. Patil in Ghatkopar on Wednesday, Chaturvedi took aim at CM Shinde and his son, who is seeking reelection from the Kalyan Lok Sabha seat.
Chaturvedi stated, “Who are you, Eknath Shinde? What are you? You are nothing but a ‘gaddar’ (traitor). Whatever you do, you cannot escape the ‘gaddar’ taint... It will haunt even your family, as in the film ‘Deewar’ (1975).”
She likened the situation to a famous dialogue from the film ‘Deewar’ (1975)," referencing how some goons had tattooed ‘Mera Baap Chor Hai’ (My father is a thief) on a character's arm.
She further remarked, “In the same manner, the CM’s son, Shrikant Shinde, will always carry the burden. ‘Mera Baap Gaddar Hain’ (My father is a traitor) is written on his forehead, and he cannot escape the consequences.”
Chaturvedi's comments referred to the split in the Shiv Sena in June 2022, when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by then CM Uddhav Thackeray was challenged and Eknath Shinde assumed the CM’s seat with the BJP's support.
The MahaYuti alliance responded strongly, with Shiv Sena deputy leader Sanjay Nirupam stating, “If she truly believes her statement, then Aditya Thackeray’s forehead should say ‘Mera Baap Maha-Gaddar Hai’ (My father is a big traitor).”
Nirupam accused Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the BJP to join forces with the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party in 2019.
Sheetal Mhatre, a spokesperson for the Shiv Sena, warned Chaturvedi to mind her language when speaking about the Chief Minister.
Sanjay Shirsat, another spokesperson, refrained from attacking Chaturvedi directly but emphasised the need for restraint.
Nitesh Rane of the BJP called Chaturvedi’s statement ‘nonsense’ and questioned its appropriateness.
In a contrasting tone, Shiv Sena's (UBT) leader of opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, supported Chaturvedi’s remarks, stating, “He (Shinde) is a ‘gaddar’, so what’s wrong with calling him a traitor?”
The Mumbai North East Lok Sabha seat sees Sanjay Patil, an ex-MP, contesting against Mihir C. Kotecha from the MahaYuti-BJP alliance after the Shiv Sena dropped its sitting MP Manoj K. Kotak following adverse reports.
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