Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 13 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the INDIA bloc's march to the Supreme Court to file a petition, calling it an "insult to India's highest judiciary" and demanding an apology to the country's 1.4 billion people.
Describing the incident as a "black day" in the country's history, Shinde said taking out a march to the Supreme Court to file a petition was unprecedented and alleged that Rahul Gandhi had attempted to put pressure on the judiciary.
Reiterating his criticism, Shinde said marching to file a petition was not a trivial matter and described the protest as an attack on the Supreme Court.
"Marching to file a petition is not a joke, and that's exactly what yesterday's attack on India's Supreme Court was. It was an insult to India's highest judiciary. And that's why I condemn this once again, and they should apologise to the 1.4 billion people of India," he said.
Shinde also accused opposition leaders of undermining the Constitution and weakening democracy, alleging that their actions contradicted their claims that constitutional values were under threat.
"These people hold the Constitution in their hands and claim that democracy and the Constitution are under threat. However, we have seen in recent times how they are working to undermine the Constitution and suffocate democracy," he said.
Referring to protests outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in Delhi and other political demonstrations in the national capital, Shinde described such activities as dangerous for the country.
“The protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in Delhi, the political demonstrations in the national capital and the activities we witness every day are not ordinary matters; they are dangerous for the country. Several foreign powers are trying to destabilise India, and there are many examples and references to support this. Some people have said that as China becomes stronger, it will not allow India to become stronger,” he said.
He further alleged that foreign powers were attempting to destabilise India, adding that there were examples to support his claim. He also referred to remarks about China becoming stronger and not allowing India to strengthen its position.
"Now they have created a hat-trick of getting defeated against PM Modi, and when he is sure that he can’t defeat PM Modi, he is resorting to anarchy and fictitious allegations of Vote Chori. Rahul Gandhi even targeted CJI Surya Kant for his statement that law and order is not his domain.” Shinde added.
“What kind of attitude is this when he is questioning all the constitutional posts and institutions? The kind of attitude Rahul Gandhi is showing is quite similar to what Abraham Lincoln has described, “Rule or ruin and Rule or Destroy.” He is trying to destroy the country in the frustration of not getting a chance to rule it," he said further.
Referring to Rahul Gandhi's comparison of the march with "Shiv ki Baraat", Shinde questioned the remark and invoked Lord Shiva in his criticism of the INDIA bloc.
"Rahul Gandhi was completely on the wrong footing when he compared his march with Shiv ki Baraat. It's clear disrespect for Lord Shankar, and if Lord Shankar opens his third eye, the whole INDIA alliance will get burnt," he said. (ANI)
'Black day in country's history': Eknath Shinde slams Rahul Gandhi over INDIA bloc's march to SC, demands apology to 1.4 billion Indians
