War Of Words Breaks Out Between Kangana Ranaut, Shankaracharya Over Remark On Eknath Shinde

BJP MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut voiced her support for Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde following berating remarks made by Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand had referred to Uddhav Thackeray as a "victim of betrayal," sparking a contentious debate.

In response, Kangana Ranaut criticised Shankaracharya's comments, stating, "Swami Avimukteshwaranand had hurt the sentiments of all by calling Shinde a 'traitor' and a 'betrayer'." She defended political alliances, citing historical divisions within the Congress party, and remarked, "If a politician does not do politics, will he sell golgappas?"

Ranaut also invoked religious principles, asserting, "Religion also says that if the king himself starts exploiting his subjects, then treason is the ultimate religion."

She condemned Avimukteshwaranand's remarks as an insult to Hinduism, describing them as "petty" and accusing him of misusing his influence.

The seer, however, clarified that his comments were not politically motivated but stemmed from concerns over betrayal felt by many. He highlighted Uddhav Thackeray's perceived betrayal and its impact on the populace, particularly evident in recent elections.

"Uddhav Thackeray has been betrayed, and many people are anguished by it. I met him today as per his request and told him that people's pain won't subside till he becomes the chief minister again," he told reporters.

"The one who betrays can't be a Hindu. The one who tolerates betrayal is a Hindu... The entire populace of Maharashtra is anguished by the betrayal and this was reflected in the recent (Lok Sabha) elections," he further added.

The collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in June 2022, following Eknath Shinde's split from Shiv Sena and subsequent alliance with BJP, underscored these tensions.