Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has expressed his views on the enthusiastic reception given to the Pakistani cricket team in Ahmedabad before their World Cup match against India. Raut’s comments come amid a political controversy surrounding the warm welcome, and he criticized the BJP for its role in the situation, highlighting the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, Shiv Sena’s founder.
As reported by ANI, Sanjay Raut noted that such a grand reception could only occur in Gujarat, and he implied that the BJP, which formed its government in Maharashtra under the name of Balasaheb Thackeray, is not respecting the values and principles associated with his legacy. Raut stated, “The Pakistan team can come and get a grand welcome in Gujarat. This can happen only in Gujarat in the country. If it had happened in any other state, then the people of BJP would have raised a hue and cry. The BJP tries to teach us, but they are now responsible for this.”
Sanjay Raut also suggested that the BJP should feel ashamed for welcoming the Pakistani cricketers in such a manner. He emphasized the historical stance taken by Balasaheb Thackeray, who opposed the Pakistan team’s visits in his time due to ongoing violence and attacks against Indian soldiers and Kashmiri Pandits. Raut asserted, “Balasaheb Thackeray stopped the Pakistan team in his time because our soldiers were being murdered. Our Kashmiri Pandits were getting murdered; that is why Balasaheb Thackeray had said that we would not allow Pakistan to come. But in the name of Balasaheb Thackeray, the BJP formed a government in Maharashtra. When there is political benefit, then BJP people take his name.”
The comments by Sanjay Raut come as the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan World Cup match is set to take place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. While Indian cricket fans hope to extend their seven-match winning streak against Pakistan, the controversy surrounding the warm welcome for the Pakistani team has sparked debates on the separation of sports and politics. Images and videos of Pakistani players being greeted warmly during their World Cup matches in India have garnered attention, leading to discussions about the treatment of sports events involving countries with political tensions.
The ongoing debate raises questions about whether sports should be kept separate from politics, and it comes amidst India’s participation in the World Cup with an impressive performance, winning against Australia and Afghanistan. Pakistan, too, secured victories in their initial matches, setting the stage for an intense encounter in the cricketing world.