Kangana Ranaut Supports Eknath Shinde, Condemns Shankaracharya's Remarks
Kangana Ranaut, the BJP MP from Mandi, has come out in support of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde following Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati's claim that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray was a "victim of betrayal."
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ranaut stated that alliances, treaties, and party divisions are normal and constitutional in politics. She cited the Congress party's divisions in 1907 and 1971 as examples. "If a politician does not do politics in politics, will he sell golgappas?" she questioned.
Ranaut further claimed that religion also permits "treason" if the king exploits his subjects.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati's Support for Uddhav Thackeray
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati recently met Uddhav Thackeray at his residence and expressed his support and concern over the "betrayal" faced by the former CM. He emphasized the Hindu concept of "paap" (sin) and categorized betrayal as one of the gravest sins. He stated that their pain over the betrayal would persist until Thackeray was reinstated as CM.
Kangana Ranaut's Criticism of Shankaracharya
Ranaut criticized the Shankaracharya for his remarks, stating that he had hurt the sentiments of many by using derogatory words against Eknath Shinde. She accused him of misusing his influence and religious education.
Other Reactions to Shankaracharya's Statement
Juna Akhada's Mahant Narayan Giri countered Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, stating that it was Uddhav Thackeray who betrayed Devendra Fadnavis. He also criticized the Shankaracharya for attending the wedding ceremony of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.
Mahant Raju Das of Ayodhya's Hanumangarhi Temple also condemned Saraswati, questioning his silence on the Palghar sadhus' lynching in 2020 and his support for leaders who made anti-Hindu comments.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government of Uddhav Thackeray collapsed in June 2022 after Eknath Shinde rebelled and split the Shiv Sena. He then formed the government in alliance with BJP and became the Chief Minister.