Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske on Monday demanded an investigation of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant for allegedly raising suspicion about Operation Sindoor and the valour of the Indian armed forces. He also demanded that the MPs be booked for “sedition”.
Speaking at a press conference in Thane, Mhaske claimed that both leaders were speaking in a language resembling that of the Pakistani military and accused them of acting like its spokespersons. He alleged that for the past two days, Raut and Sawant’s statements echoed Pakistani political and military leaders’ tone.
Referring to a recent comment made by Arvind Sawant, “gire to bhi taang upar (even if he falls, his leg remains up)”, Mhaske questioned who exactly was being targeted with such remarks. The Sena MP said it was an insult to the highly skilled Indian Air Force pilots, demanding an immediate clarification from Sawant.
Mhaske further said, “The Indian Army belongs to the nation, not to any political party. Instead of trusting it, why are you speaking in the language of Pakistan?” He also urged the public to strongly condemn the two MPs’ statements.
Raut has criticised the Narendra Modi government over US President Donald Trump’s “mediation” in the India-Pakistan conflict and alleged that the Centre agreed to the ceasefire to protect the interests of its “beloved industrialist friend”.
Mhaske presented a copy of a 1971 Pakistani newspaper, which allegedly published headlines claiming Pakistan’s victory even after India’s actual win in the war. He recalled that during that time, prominent Opposition leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Balasaheb Thackeray had extended full support to then prime minister Indira Gandhi’s leadership. He argued that today’s Opposition should show the same faith in the government.
“Will you trust the Pakistani military, or the President of the United States, or the Indian Army?” Mhaske asked, further stating that the Army had provided photo and video evidence of its operations. He claimed that continuing to spread doubts even after this was equivalent to disrespecting the armed forces and tantamount to sedition.
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Taking a jibe at Raut, Mhaske said his comments suggest that he aspires to become either a spokesperson for the Pakistani military or the editor of a Pakistani newspaper. He questioned why Raut did not recall Indira Gandhi’s 1971 leadership during major terror incidents in Mumbai—such as the 2006 train bombings and the 2008 terrorist attacks —when Manmohan Singh was prime minister. “Why didn’t you demand a surgical strike on Pakistan then?” the Sena MP asked, suggesting Raut would never question Sonia Gandhi in the same way.
Mhaske called for a detailed inquiry and strict action against Raut and Sawant.
He also asked whether Raut and Sawant wished to contest elections from Rawalpindi or Lahore. “Do they think this is a village council or a municipal election?” he asked, adding that doubting the Army’s valour for political gain was unacceptable.
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