Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray launched a scathing attack on online trolls and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after cricketer Mohammed Shami and writer Javed Akhtar faced backlash over their religion during the India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy match.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Aaditya lashed out at those questioning the duo’s patriotism, calling it “the worst of where our andh bhakts are taking our country to.” He defended Shami and Akhtar, stating, “Both are proud Indians, contributing actively to India’s glory through their own skill.”
He further pointed out the hypocrisy of BJP supporters, highlighting that former union minister Anurag Thakur was seen watching the match with ex-Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi, who has been “outspokenly anti-Bharat.”
The worst of where our andh bhakts are taking our country to.
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) February 24, 2025
Doubting Shami and @Javedakhtarjadu ji on their patriotism. Because of their religion. Both proud Indians, contributing actively to Indian glory through their own skill.
But the same trolls are too afraid to speak… pic.twitter.com/0NEbHRreDP
“The same trolls who question the patriotism of Indian Muslims are silent on a BJP leader sitting with Afridi. The very leader whose party tells opposition members to ‘go to Pakistan’ while screaming ‘desh ke gaddaron ko’ on the streets,” Aaditya said, asking, “Aaj desh ka gaddar kaun hai?”
He alleged that if the same situation had involved an opposition leader, there would have been FIRs, protests, and accusations of being “anti-national.” Accusing the BJP of divisive politics, Aaditya remarked, “The BJP’s only strategy is to create Hindu-Muslim divisions so they can stay in power. Meanwhile, their bosses and families party with anti-India figures.”
Further escalating his attack, he criticized the BJP-led BCCI for playing cricket with Bangladesh after its social media ecosystem spread propaganda about violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. “Elections done, Hindus forgotten, patriotism forgotten. Or is it ‘time please’ for BJP from patriotism?” he quipped.
Aaditya concluded his post by calling out the BJP’s double standards in the name of Hindutva and nationalism. “When they teach you patriotism again, show them this photo of their leader enjoying the match with an anti-India cricketer. My patriotism and Hindutva are clear: respect mine, I respect yours. But no compromise with hate.”