Demands for justice and accountability remain at the forefront of public discourse
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has faced strong criticism for publicly supporting Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj who has been booked for making blasphemous and inflammatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Islam.
Ramgiri Maharaj’s derogatory remarks have sparked outrage and led to multiple FIRs being lodged by Muslim communities in various districts of the state. Despite the uproar, Shinde has extended support to him rather than initiating immediate action against him.
As protests were being held against the priest on Friday, Shinde shared the stage with him asserting that he will not be touched by anyone. “The Varkari sect works for social awakening in society and Ramgiri Maharaj is carrying their work forward,” said Shinde.
He assured that the saints in the state would be protected.
“Maharashtra has got a great tradition of saints. The state government is being run due to the blessings of the saints. Therefore, no one will dare to touch even the hair of the saints in this Maharashtra,” he was quoted by the Deccan Chronicle as saying.
The chief minister’s actions and statements have been met with widespread criticism. Former Malegaon MLA Sheikh Asif has strongly denounced both Ramgiri and Shinde. “Baba Ramgiri’s derogatory comments about our Prophet (pbuh) have deeply hurt us. Instead of taking action against him, the chief minister irresponsibly claimed that ‘not even a single hair of Baba can be touched.’ This is unacceptable and shows a blatant disregard for the Constitution. Shinde has no right to hold his position. We demand that Baba Ramgiri be arrested and tried in a fast-track court.”
Adding to the criticism, NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA Jitendra Ohar has expressed his disapproval via social media. In a tweet, Ohar stated, “Baba Ramgiri’s statements about Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) were deliberately insulting. Such remarks are unbecoming of any saint. His words stand in stark contrast to the teachings of saints like Kabir, Ravidas, and Tukaram, who advocated for communal harmony. The presence of the chief minister at the event suggests tacit endorsement of these incendiary comments. This situation appears to be a deliberate attempt to inflame tensions.”
The backlash also includes younger political voices. Amol Matkari, an MLA from the NCP (Ajit), has called for Baba Ramgiri’s immediate arrest. Matkari remarked, “Wearing saffron does not make one a saint. It is an insult to genuine spiritual leaders to compare them with Baba Ramgiri, whom I consider a gangster in monk’s attire. His actions are treasonous, and he should be held accountable.”
In a further twist, Shiv Sena (Uddhav) spokesperson Sushma Andhare has raised concerns about the implications of Shinde’s support for Baba Ramgiri. Speaking to a news channel, Andhare questioned the chief minister’s motives: “One who engages in hateful rhetoric cannot be considered a saint. The chief minister’s support for someone who has made such inflammatory statements raises serious questions. Is this a move to orchestrate riots and further polarise the state?”
The growing discontent is evident as political leaders from various parties unite in their condemnation of both Baba Ramgiri and the chief minister’s actions. The chief minister’s response to the crisis has been described as a ‘strategic blunder,’ which has not only aggravated the existing tensions but also cast a shadow over his leadership.
In light of the escalating situation, calls are growing for a reassessment of the chief minister’s stance and urging for decisive action to address the concerns of all affected communities. The controversy continues to unfold, with demands for justice and accountability remaining at the forefront of public discourse.
