Amit Shah: Balasaheb Thackeray Would Have Hugged PM Modi for operation Sindoor, Not Mocked Anti-Terror Efforts

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday took a strong dig at Shiv Sena (UBT) for its dismissive “baraat” comment regarding the all-party delegations sent abroad to present India’s position on terrorism. Shah said that if Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray were alive today, he would have “hugged” Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the success of Operation Sindoor.

Shah was responding to a jibe from a top Shiv Sena (UBT) leader party headed by Balasaheb’s son Uddhav Thackeray who questioned the purpose of the delegations, asking, “Yeh kiski baraat jaa rahi hai?” (Whose wedding procession is this?). Shah reminded the audience that Shiv Sena (UBT) was once Balasaheb Thackeray’s party and expressed surprise at its current stance. “Had Balasaheb been alive, he would have embraced Modi. I don’t know what has happened to the Uddhav Sena they are calling the delegations a baraat even though their own members are part of it,” Shah said.

Speaking at a ‘Shankhnaad’ rally in Nanded, Maharashtra, Shah also targeted Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar for not acting on the longstanding demand for classical language status for Marathi, which was recently granted by the Modi government.

Reiterating India’s firm stand against terrorism, Shah recalled the April 22 terror attack, where Pakistan-backed terrorists killed innocent travellers after questioning their religion. “PM Modi had warned in Patna that terrorists will be found and crushed, no matter where they hide. Over the past 11 years, we have responded strongly: surgical strikes after Uri, air strikes following Pulwama, and Operation Sindoor that destroyed terror bases in Pehalgam,” he said, noting that hundreds of terrorists were eliminated in the operation.
Shah detailed recent military actions, stating that on May 7 at 1:04 AM, Indian forces destroyed nine terrorist locations within 22 minutes, including their headquarters. He added that on May 8, when Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks, India’s air defence system successfully neutralised all threats before they could enter Indian territory.

Looking ahead, Shah emphasized the government’s vision to build a developed India by 2047 while making the nation impervious to any hostile threats. He also highlighted simultaneous efforts under Operation Black Forest, targeting Maoist insurgents.

“Our CRPF, Chhattisgarh Police, and BSF have eliminated many Maoists, with many more surrendering. We aim to be a Maoist-free nation by March 31, 2026,” the Home Minister said.​