Gujarat leaders from the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Patidar community strongly condemned Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday for his controversial comments about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. They demanded that an FIR be filed against him and called for a ban on his entry into the state.
According to a media report, on Friday, Thackeray alleged that migrants from Bihar faced violence in Gujarat without national outrage, unlike minor incidents in Maharashtra. He further accused Patel and Desai of having an anti-Marathi stance after independence — remarks that sparked immediate and widespread criticism in Gujarat.
Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda condemned the remarks, stating, “Speaking against Sardar Saheb is like throwing dust at the sun.” AAP state president Isudan Gadhvi called Thackeray’s comments an insult to all Gujaratis and urged Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP state president CR Paatil to file an FIR. “Sardar Patel united 565 princely states, leaving only Rs 261 at his death-yet Thackeray dares to defame him,” Gadhvi said.
Patidar leader Manoj Panara submitted a petition in Morbi demanding a sedition case against Thackeray and a ban on his entry to Gujarat, vowing to pursue legal action. Alpesh Kathiria, another Patidar leader, declared that Thackeray has no right to insult national icons. Lalji Patel of the Sardar Patel Group accused Thackeray of harboring an anti-Gujarati mindset, warning that his “narrow mentality” would prevent him from becoming a national leader.
The controversy comes on the heels of recent actions by MNS workers, who have been forcefully advocating for the use of Marathi in Maharashtra—reportedly even assaulting shopkeepers for not responding in the language. The growing tensions have underscored sharp regional divides, with leaders across Gujarat standing united to defend Sardar Patel’s legacy and demanding accountability for Raj Thackeray’s provocative remarks.