Eknath Shinde Demands Jail for Those Speaking Against India, Accuses Opposition of Conspiracy

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday demanded strict action against those who speak against the country or engage in activities he described as treasonous, saying they should be jailed rather than merely booked in cases. In an exclusive interview with IANS, he accused the Opposition of attempting to create unrest and obstruct India’s development.

Shinde described Monday as a “black day” in the country’s history, alleging that the Opposition’s protest march against the Supreme Court amounted to disrespect for democracy and the country’s highest judicial institution.

“Yesterday will be remembered as a black day in the history of the country because democracy and India’s highest judicial institution were disrespected. In India’s history, a protest march has never been taken out against the Supreme Court. This is an attack on the country’s highest judicial institution. They want to spread unrest and chaos in the country. This is a major, well-planned conspiracy,” he said.

Alleging that the protest was part of an international conspiracy, Shinde accused the Opposition of trying to derail the country’s progress.

“I will say that it is an international conspiracy. Protesting with them is treason. The Leader of the Opposition works like a puppet. It is shameful that they are trying to hinder the country’s progress,” he said.

Shinde also accused Opposition leaders of attempting to damage India’s international image, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the government’s goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.

“PM Modi has taken the country to great heights. He is taking the country forward towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. At a time when the economies of several countries have collapsed, he is taking India from the Fragile Five to the top five,” he said.

Attributing the Opposition’s criticism to jealousy, Shinde claimed that 140 crore Indians stood with the Prime Minister. He also accused Opposition leaders of being desperate to return to power despite repeated electoral defeats.

Shinde further criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over an alleged incident involving a woman journalist during Monday’s protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The journalist reportedly claimed that she was three months pregnant and alleged that Gandhi grabbed her hand and pulled her forward before his security personnel pushed her away while she was covering the protest.

Questioning Gandhi’s conduct, Shinde said it was inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha to behave in such a manner. He accused Gandhi of seeking publicity and urged citizens to consider whether Opposition leaders were working to unite or divide the country.

“It is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure that they fail,” Shinde said, referring to the Opposition.

Reacting to the controversy involving actor Imran Khan following his protest in Mumbai, Shinde alleged that certain forces were attempting to damage India’s reputation.

“The way people say that we will make the country as strong as China, what is this? What is the purpose and intention? The way the INDIA bloc is trying to stop the country’s progress, we have to make them fail,” he said.

Reiterating his demand for stringent action, Shinde said those accused of speaking against the country or engaging in treasonous activities should face imprisonment rather than only having an FIR registered against them.

“Not just an FIR, they should be put in jail if they are speaking against the country or engaging in treasonous activities,” he said.

Referring to the Emergency, Shinde said people today were free to approach the Supreme Court, organise protests and express their views. He contrasted this with the period of the Emergency, when restrictions were imposed on the media.

Shinde also criticised Gandhi for allegedly comparing himself to Lord Shiva, calling such comparisons inappropriate and accusing the Opposition of engaging in provocative conduct.

He further invoked the symbolism of Lord Shiva’s third eye, saying that those who compared themselves to the deity should remember its significance. Shinde added that the INDIA bloc and other Opposition parties would be reduced to ashes by its fire.