Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday lashed out at the Maharashtra government, questioning why stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra was summoned for allegedly mocking Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, while actor Rahul Solapurkar faced no action for his controversial remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Kamra was recently issued two summons by the Mumbai Police after a parody song in his show, perceived as a dig at Shinde, sparked outrage. The comedian’s parody video led to Shinde supporters storming the recording studio. Calling it a selective action, Thackeray said “He didn’t even name Shinde, yet Kamra is being targeted,” said Thackeray. He also accused the Maharashtra government for shielding Eknath Shinde while ignoring more serious issues.

Kamra vs Solapurkar: Thackeray questions double standards

Thackeray contrasted the swift action against Kamra with the lack of any summons for Rahul Solapurkar, who claimed in a podcast that Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Agra Fort by bribing Mughal officials—an assertion that triggered backlash from some right-wing groups. “Has even one summons been sent to Solapurkar?” Thackeray asked, calling out what he sees as biased governance.

He further questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s support for Shinde, stating, “The CM is protecting the man Kamra didn’t even name. What right do you have to take action against him?”

BJP’s ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ campaign branded as political gimmick

Thackeray also took aim at the BJP’s Eid outreach campaign, calling the ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ kits distributed to Muslim households nothing more than a ploy for votes. “This is not a gift from Modi but a gift of power—‘Saugat-e-Satta’,” he said. Thackeray also accused the BJP of long using anti-Muslim sentiment and now reversing course for electoral gains. “They should clarify whether they want to feed Muslims or poison them,” he said.

Sharp criticism of handling of past incidents

Speaking at press conference, Thackeray also questioned the state government’s inaction in several incidents like Pune Porsche crash case, saying sarcastically, “He’ll probably be asked to write a 300-word essay.” He also raised questions about the unresolved case of a student’s death in a police encounter in Badlapur and criticised the lack of progress on the Shivaji Maharaj memorial project in the Arabian Sea.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has fiercely responded to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks on the language debate, terming them “political black comedy at its darkest”. The DMK leader defended his government’s opposition to the Centre’s three-language policy, stating that Tamil Nadu is not against any language but stands firmly against imposition and chauvinism.

Stalin’s rebuttal came after Yogi Adityanath, in a media interview, criticised the DMK leader for allegedly fostering regional and linguistic divisions to protect his vote base. The UP Chief Minister questioned why Hindi was being opposed and praised Tamil as one of India’s most ancient languages, urging unity over linguistic differences.

Responding on social media, Stalin accused the BJP of being rattled by the DMK’s stand, particularly as the issues of language and delimitation gain traction beyond Tamil Nadu. “We don’t oppose any language; we oppose imposition and chauvinism,” Stalin wrote. He also said that this isn’t riot-for-votes politics but this is a battle for dignity and justice.”

The row is rooted in the DMK’s opposition to the Hindi push under the National Education Policy (NEP), which promotes a three-language formula including Hindi. Tamil Nadu has consistently advocated for a two-language policy, emphasizing Tamil and English. The DMK has accused the Centre of attempting to undermine regional languages and identities.

The debate also touches on a growing concern over the upcoming delimitation exercise, expected post-2026. Stalin warned that the move could marginalize southern states in parliamentary representation due to their lower population growth—a result of effective family planning policies. He argued this would unfairly penalize progressive states like Tamil Nadu, which contribute significantly to the national GDP.

Yogi Adityanath, on the other hand, framed the DMK’s stance as narrow politics and cautioned the public to remain vigilant against such divisive narratives. “The people of this country should always stand for unity,” he said, while praising cultural initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam to promote harmony.

The political clash once again underscores the long-standing tensions between regional identity and central policies, particularly on sensitive issues like language and representation.

Karnataka BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has vowed to intensify his campaign against corruption and dynastic politics following his six-year expulsion from the BJP, which he claims was retaliation for his outspoken criticism of the party leadership.

The firebrand MLA from Vijayapura took to the social media platform X to declare that his removal from the party would not silence him. “The decision to expel me won’t stop my fight against corruption, family rule, or my mission to develop North Karnataka. I’ll keep serving people with the same commitment,” Yatnal asserted in his post.

Yatnal, known for his combative style, accused the BJP of punishing him for challenging what he called “authoritarian tendencies” within the party and advocating for systemic reforms. He specifically targeted former CM B.S. Yediyurappa and his son B.Y. Vijayendra, the current state BJP chief, alleging they orchestrated his ouster to suppress his exposes.

In December 2023, the MLA had dropped a bombshell by claiming ₹40,000 crore irregularities occurred during Yediyurappa’s COVID-19 relief administration, threatening to reveal more details if expelled. “They thought silencing me would bury the truth, but the people know everything,” he told reporters.

The BJP’s disciplinary committee cited Yatnal’s “continuous indiscipline” as grounds for expulsion, noting he had received multiple show-cause notices since 2022. His latest confrontation occurred when he planned independent public meetings about Waqf Act amendments despite party objections.

The decision by the BJP was announced on Wednesday by the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee, which issued a statement instructing Yatnal to refrain from participating in any party-related activities.

In its Wednesday order, the central disciplinary panel stated Yatnal had “violated organizational discipline repeatedly” even after giving written assurances to reform. His expulsion bars him from all party activities until 2030.

The maverick leader thanked his constituents, grassroots workers, religious leaders, and family for standing by him. Reports suggest Yatnal may now either float his own movement or explore alternatives, though he hasn’t revealed his next steps.