Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has strongly criticized the Congress party and the UPA government's decision not to retaliate against Pakistan following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Shinde characterized this decision as "treachery," pointing to the remarks made by senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, who suggested that the UPA was constrained by international pressure.
Speaking at the Shiv Sena's annual Dusshera rally, Shinde accused the UPA government of betraying the country's interests by not responding militarily to the attacks. He contrasted this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm response to later terror strikes, highlighting what he sees as a shift in India's geopolitical stance. Shinde stated that the UPA's inaction, allegedly due to foreign pressure, was an act of "helplessness and cowardice" and "dishonesty with the country".
Shinde also targeted the Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing them of sympathizing with Pakistan. He insinuated that their loyalties lie elsewhere, a claim that was mirrored at a rival rally where the integrity of the current Sena leadership was questioned. Furthermore, Shinde has stated that anyone in India who "speaks the language of Pakistan" should be imprisoned.
The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which occurred on November 26, 2008, saw 10 militants from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba enter Mumbai via sea and conduct a series of attacks on prominent locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, CST Railway Station, and Nariman House. The attacks lasted nearly four days, resulting in the deaths of 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring over 300.
Shinde's criticism comes in the wake of statements made by Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar regarding the 26/11 attacks. Shinde condemned Wadettiwar's comments, viewing them as an insult to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the attacks. He also questioned the credibility of Rahul Gandhi and asserted that the Congress party has no moral right to seek votes. Shinde has also attacked Uddhav Thackeray for his silence on Wadettiwar's statements.
Eknath Shinde has also commented on the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Shinde stated that Rana, after being extradited from the U.S. to India, would undoubtedly face severe punishment.
