The political slugfest over India’s upcoming Asia Cup clash with Pakistan escalated on Saturday as BJP minister Nitesh Rane launched a stinging attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, mocking him over his criticism of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Speaking to reporters, Rane alleged that Thackeray would end up secretly watching the match despite his public outrage. “Aaditya Thackeray himself will watch the India-Pakistan match tomorrow hiding in a burqa. He will also shout slogans of Pakistan Zindabad,” Rane said, even mimicking Aaditya’s voice to underline his taunt.
He didn’t stop there, taking a dig at Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut too, remarking that he would be found “selling tickets in black at Marine Drive.”
The controversy began after Aaditya Thackeray tore into the BCCI, calling it “anti-national” for agreeing to play against Pakistan in Dubai. “The BCCI is becoming anti-national. Why is the BCCI so excited about playing with Pakistan? Is it because of greed for money, TV revenue, advertisement revenue, or is it for the fees of players? When Pakistan can boycott the Asia Cup just because it was in India, then why cannot the BCCI do it?” Aaditya said earlier.
His father, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, also launched a fierce attack on the Centre, invoking the memory of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which Pakistani terrorists killed 26 civilians. “The wounds of Pahalgam have not healed, and yet this government is ready to play cricket with the same Pakistan that spreads terror in our country. Our Prime Minister says blood and water cannot flow together. Then how can war and sport go hand in hand? This is hypocrisy. They have turned patriotism into a business,” Uddhav thundered.
