Mumbai, June 22: Sanjay Nirupam, spokesperson for Shiv Sena, responded to recent statements made by Pakistan’s Defense Minister regarding illegal religious structures in Rajasthan, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s comments on Jammu and Kashmir, and speculation about defections among Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders. He asserted that his party’s stance on India’s security, national interests, and Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology is unequivocal.
In response to the anti-India remarks from Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Nirupam stated that the Pakistani minister seems out of touch, suggesting that such threats may have been dreamt up or made under the influence. He emphasized that Pakistan is not in a position to wage war against India.
Nirupam claimed that following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 22 Hindu tourists, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This unprecedented military action targeted terrorist bases and inflicted significant damage on Pakistan’s military infrastructure.
He noted that after this operation, Pakistan began pleading for a ceasefire on international platforms. He described it as absurd for a country that threatens India with war to do so. Regarding the issue of water sharing from the Indus River, he stated that India’s position is clear: Pakistan will not receive water until it stops supporting terrorism and its intelligence agency, the ISI, ceases aiding anti-India elements.
Responding to Asaduddin Owaisi’s appeal to halt the demolition of mosques and shrines in Rajasthan, Nirupam pointed out that numerous illegal religious structures had been erected near the border with Pakistan. He accused these structures of providing shelter to terrorists and supporting anti-India activities. He asserted that the Indian and Rajasthan governments made this decision with national security in mind.
Nirupam remarked that AIMIM and Owaisi oppose this decision, but for his party, national security is the top priority. He stated that anyone, regardless of their religion, caste, or community, found compromising national security should face strict action.
On Shashi Tharoor’s comments regarding Jammu and Kashmir, Nirupam noted a growing ideological rift between Tharoor and Congress leadership. He observed that Tharoor views issues positively, while many Congress leaders avoid acknowledging the government’s achievements. He claimed that normalcy is gradually returning to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, with a decrease in stone-pelting incidents and a reduction in terrorism’s impact.
He acknowledged that this process is not yet complete and will take time, but improvements are evident. As an experienced leader, Tharoor has recognized this change and sees it as a significant achievement of the Modi government.
Regarding reports of six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) joining Shiv Sena, Nirupam stated this marks the beginning of the end for the UBT faction. Eknath Shinde has already hinted that the public has only seen a trailer, and the full picture is yet to unfold. There is widespread discontent and rebellion within the UBT camp, with many legislators, MPs, and local representatives preparing to leave the party.
He supported Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement labeling Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena as the real Shiv Sena. Nirupam asserted that Shinde’s leadership aligns with Balasaheb Thackeray’s Hindutva ideology, while the UBT faction has compromised this ideology since 2019, leading to a continuous exodus of its leaders and workers.
He reiterated that national security, Hindutva ideology, and Balasaheb Thackeray’s principles are paramount for his party, and these issues will guide Shiv Sena’s future.
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