‘Shah’s Ouster Will Be Service To The Nation’

In a scathing editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana on Wednesday, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction launched a fierce attack on the central government, accusing it of neglecting national security amid the recent blast near Delhi’s Red Fort. The party claimed the explosion exposed the government’s failure to combat terrorism, with leaders preoccupied with electioneering.

“The capital city had been ‘shaken by a bomb blast’ while the Union government remained focused on electioneering,” the editorial stated, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were distracted by the Bihar Assembly elections during the deadly incident.

Calling for accountability, the Sena (UBT) urged BJP supporters to demand Shah’s resignation. “If they are true devotees of Mother India, they should demand Amit Shah’s resignation. This would be a service to the nation. If the Home Minister resigns, it will be a favour to 140 crore people; otherwise, cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru will be seen drenched in blood,” it declared.

The editorial criticized the government’s security lapses, noting, “In front of the Home Minister’s eyes, the vermilion of 26 women was wiped off in Pahalgam, an explosion took place near his nose, and the Red Fort is shaken. The Delhi blast has raised many serious questions for the nation.”

It accused the ruling dispensation of politicizing law enforcement. “Instead of tracking terrorists, the system is being used to target political opponents,” the piece claimed, adding that Shah “sees opposition leaders as terrorists while using security forces to suppress dissent.”

Questioning the government’s anti-terror promises, the editorial highlighted the blast’s location. “Twelve people have died and 25 were injured, yet the government is busy with election campaigns. People are being killed like ants on the streets of Delhi while the leadership focuses on political gains,” Saamana said.

Comparing Shah unfavorably to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, it called him “the weakest Home Minister ever.”

The comments come as investigations into the Red Fort blast continue, with suspicions of links to terror networks in Faridabad and Kashmir. The Sena (UBT)’s attack underscores growing opposition criticism of the government’s security record, amid heightened tensions.

Political analysts view this as part of broader opposition strategies to capitalize on security failures, potentially influencing voter sentiment in upcoming elections. The editorial’s sharp tone reflects frustration over perceived inaction, contrasting with the government’s claims of strong anti-terror measures.

In the context of India’s security landscape, such incidents highlight vulnerabilities, prompting calls for reforms. The Sena (UBT)’s demand for resignation echoes historical precedents where home ministers faced scrutiny over lapses.

Overall, the editorial serves as a rallying cry for opposition unity, framing the blast as a symbol of governance failure. As investigations progress, the political fallout may intensify, affecting public trust in leadership.