As widespread anger against Pakistan continues over the recent Pahalgam attack, a cricket match between India and Pakistan is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on 14 September as part of the Asia Cup 2025. Amid calls across the country to cancel the match, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing the party of ignoring the sentiments of bereaved families.
Raut questioned BJP’s stance, asking, “In Pahalgam, women’s sindoor was wiped away has the BJP forgotten this tragedy?” He further announced that the Uddhav Sena will stage protests against the government’s approach this Sunday.
Raut highlighted that Pakistan’s militant activities in Kashmir continue unabated, despite repeated claims by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other senior BJP leaders that they will break Pakistan’s backbone and sever all ties with the neighboring country. BJP leaders have often stated that “blood and water cannot flow together,” prompting Raut to ask, “Then how can bloodshed and cricket be seen together?” He accused the BJP of questionable intentions and put its credibility under scrutiny.
Raut also called on the BJP, the RSS, Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and senior BJP leaders to clarify their position on the India-Pakistan match. He reiterated that Uddhav Thackeray opposed the match and condemned its organization. He warned that the Shivsena (UBT) Women’s Wing will take to the streets with protests titled “My Sindoor, My Nation.” The women’s wing will conduct a Sindoor Raksha movement on Sunday, he added, while criticizing BJP’s policies and insinuating that the match is being staged for the benefit of BJP secretary Jai Shah.
Raut recalled that Balasaheb Thackeray had opposed such matches in the past and pointed out that even those responsible for damaging the playing field belong to the Shinde faction. He also alleged that large-scale gambling was being conducted in Rajasthan and northern states during the match. He appealed for the match to be cancelled and questioned Eknath Shinde’s stand on the issue.
