Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut has launched a strong attack on Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar over the India-Pakistan cricket match. Ajit Pawar had expressed the opinion that “sports should be viewed from a sporting perspective.” Reacting to this statement, Raut criticized in harsh words, saying “Ajit Pawar has the blood of Pakistanis flowing in him, he is half Pakistani.” Referring to the soldiers who died in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Raut questioned, “If someone from your family had been among the victims, you would not have spoken like this.”
Raut not only targeted Ajit Pawar but also Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He criticized that Shinde's party is not a party but a small company under the control of Amit Shah. "The sentiments of the country are different today, and these leaders are using language suggesting a confrontation with Pakistan," said Raut.
Additionally, Raut also accused BCCI, BJP, and Jay Shah. He claimed that the Indian cricket team does not actually want to play the match and that some players are against it. However, he said that due to pressure on the team, the players are being forced to play the match.
On behalf of the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), a protest was held across the state today under the slogan “My Bindi, My Country.” Raut clarified that this protest was being conducted to express the sentiments of the people in the country against organizing cricket matches with Pakistan.