Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' Chant Sparks Fresh Sena Vs Sena, Uddhav's Old Clip Resurfaces

Last Updated:July 04, 2025, 17:28 IST

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde ended his speech with 'Jai Gujarat' during an inauguration event in Pune, sparking criticism from opposition parties.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde. (PTI file photo)

A fresh political row erupted in Maharashtra after Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ended his speech with ‘Jai Gujarat’ during an inauguration event in Pune.

While speaking at the inauguration of Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre in Pune’s Kondhwa, Shinde thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and ended his speech by saying, “Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat."

As he wrapped up his speech, Shinde asked the audience for permission to recite a shayari in honour of Shah, receiving an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Shinde thanked the audience and said, “Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra," before briefly pausing and adding, “Jai Gujarat".

Sharing a video of Shinde’s video, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said, “Shah Sena! Shah Sena!" He said in another post, “The true nature of Amit Shah’s duplicate Shiv Sena came to light today! In Pune, these gentlemen roared “Jai Gujarat" in front of Amit Shah! What should be done? Such a man should be punished… how can this person remain in the Maharashtra Cabinet?"

Additionally, NCP (Sharadchandra faction) leader Clyde Crasto targeted Shinde over his remarks, accusing him of using the phrase in “greed for power" and political ambition.

Congress leader Nana Patole condemned Shinde’s slogan. “We condemn this, it’s an insult to the motherland of Maharashtra and the Marathi language," he told reporters.

Shinde Sena Hits Back

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) hit back at the remarks made by the opposition parties, uploading an old video of Uddhav Thackeray using the ‘Jai Gujarat’ phrase during a speech in Ahmedabad on March 30, 2019.

However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended Shinde’s remarks, saying, “I want to remind everyone that earlier too, when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue was unveiled at Chikodi, Sharad Pawar had said ‘Jai Maharashtra, Jai Karnataka.’ Does that mean Sharad Pawar loves Karnataka more and Maharashtra less?"

Earlier, Shah had arrived in Pune for a two-day visit to Maharashtra. He was welcomed at the Pune airport by Fadnavis, along with senior BJP leaders and party workers. He described the Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre as the “most beautiful building representing Gujarati society in the entire country" and praised Pune as a symbol of knowledge, nationalism, social awareness, and freedom throughout the country.

News politics Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' Chant Sparks Fresh Sena Vs Sena, Uddhav's Old Clip Resurfaces