Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stirred controversy on Friday during the inauguration of the Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre in Kondhwa, Pune, when he concluded his speech with “Jai Gujarat” in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The remark, following his customary “Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra,” raised eyebrows among the audience and sparked a debate about regional sentiments.
Shinde, addressing the crowd, sought permission to recite a sher-shayari in honor of Shah, who had earlier spoken in Gujarati at the event. After a brief pause following his initial closing remarks, Shinde added “Jai Gujarat,” which some interpreted as a nod to Shah’s home state. The comment quickly drew attention, with critics questioning its implications in a Maharashtra-centric context.
Maharashtra ના DYCM Eknath Shinde એ જય ગુજરાત સાથે ભાષણ પૂર્ણ કર્યું | Mumbai Samachar#EknathShinde #AmitShah #MaharashtraPolitics #Pune #PoliticalNews #JaiGujarat #JaiMaharashtra #PoliticalSpeech #RegionalPride #Maharashtra #Gujarat #IndianPolitics #PublicReaction… pic.twitter.com/lWPasfNJjc
— Mumbai Samachar Official (@Samachar_Mumbai) July 4, 2025
Earlier in the day, Shah unveiled an equestrian statue of Maratha statesman and general Peshwa Bajirao I at the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune. Speaking at the ceremony, Shah described the NDA as the ideal location for Bajirao’s memorial, given its role in training military leadership. He highlighted the historical significance of Bajirao and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, crediting them for establishing ‘Swaraj’ (self-rule) under challenging conditions. “If the battle for independence started by Shivaji Maharaj and carried forward by the Peshwas for 100 years had not been fought, India’s basic structure would have ceased to exist,” Shah said. He also praised Bajirao’s 40-year legacy, noting that the responsibility to defend Swaraj now rests with India’s 140 crore citizens and its armed forces, citing Operation Sindoor as a testament to their resolve.
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Addressing the controversy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came to Shinde’s defense, dismissing suggestions that the remark indicated a preference for Gujarat over Maharashtra. “Just because Shinde said ‘Jai Gujarat,’ it doesn’t mean he loves Gujarat more than Maharashtra,” Fadnavis told reporters. He criticized such interpretations as parochial and unbecoming of the Marathi ethos. Fadnavis drew a parallel to a past event when former Union Minister Sharad Pawar said “Jai Maharashtra, Jai Karnataka” at the unveiling of a Shivaji Maharaj statue in Chikodi, Karnataka. “Does that mean Pawar loves Karnataka more than Maharashtra?” he questioned.
The incident has sparked discussions about regional pride and political sensitivities, with Fadnavis emphasizing unity over divisive interpretations. Meanwhile, Shinde’s remarks continue to be a talking point as Maharashtra navigates its complex political landscape.