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Jai Gujarat Row: Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, who created a political storm in Maharashtra after sloganeering 'Jai Gujarat' at a function, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present on Friday, clarified his slogal, saying it was just a gesture to praise people from the Gujarati community to build a sports complex. His slogan drew a prompt reaction from Congress, which termed it a 'political slavery'. Hours after Shine held a press conference and clarified his stand.

"Today, there were 3-4 events in Pune where brothers and sisters from the Gujarati community were present; they have been living there for many years. Marathi and Gujarati people live together harmoniously, and they have built a large sports complex. I attended that event. After my speech there, I said Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat, because Jai Hind is the pride of our country, Jai Maharashtra, because we are proud of Maharashtra. And I said Jai Gujarat because the Gujarati community, together, have built a sports complex there," he clarified.

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I will only say that those who criticise us should first look within themselves, he said, adding that Marathi is our identity, and Hindutva is our soul.

"We have worked to grant Marathi the status of a classical language. There will be no compromise with the Marathi language. Before pointing fingers at others, they should look within themselves."

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 4, 2025

After breaking the original Shiv Sena and being rewarded with the party's name and symbol by the powers in Gujarat, Shinde has crossed all limits to please his political masters, Sapkal further claimed.

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Shindhe Hits Back At Congress

"Pakistan flags were also seen in the Lok Sabha elections, so where did the Marathi love go? In the fake narrative, they said that the Constitution is also in danger, and the reservation will also end. So they cannot win the elections with a fake narrative. On the basis of our work, we have got a huge majority in the Assembly and the upcoming local self-government institutions elections are coming up. So they want to dig up such issues and do politics on it and get votes here. But people are very intelligent and Mahayuti will win," said Shinde.

Political Slavery: Congress' Jibe At Shinde

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal slammed Shinde, demanding his resignation for exhibiting "political slavery" and "betraying" the state's pride.

"Maharashtra is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who stood for self-respect and sovereignty. It is a matter of shame that a leader occupying the Deputy Chief Minister's chair would chant 'Jai Gujarat' instead of 'Jai Maharashtra'. This is nothing but political slavery," Sapkal said in a statement.
(With agencies inputs)