Eknath Shinde backs PM Modi amid West Asia crisis, hits out at Rahul Gandhi for creating 'misleading narrative'

During the separate meetings with PM Modi and Amit Shah, he also discussed issues concerning Maharashtra.

Mumbai: With the Congress-led INDIA opposition bloc launching a broadside against Narendra Modi in the wake of the emerging situation in West Asia and  LPG criss, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met the Prime Minister and assured the support of Shiv Sena even as he asked the Shiv Sena MPs to counter the narrative of the opposition parties. 

Besides, Shinde, the chief leader of Shiv Sena, also met Union Home Minister and BJP stalwart Amit Shah.

During the separate meetings with PM Modi and Shah, he also discussed issues concerning Maharashtra. 

During the meeting with the PM, Shinde conveyed Shiv Sena’s full and unequivocal support in view of the challenges India faces due to the ongoing war-like situation in the Gulf region. 

Talking to reporters during the two-day visit to the national capital, Shinde stated that Shiv Sena, as a valued NDA ally, stands firmly with the Prime Minister and the nation during this critical time.

He reiterated that the party fully supports the Government of India’s position in safeguarding national interests.

Shinde strongly criticised the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, stating that spreading misinformation and indulging in political commentary during a sensitive and war-like situation is deeply unfortunate and against national interest. 

Shinde said  that certain statements appear to be made merely to gain attention in foreign media, including in Pakistan.

“We continue to move forward guided by the ideals and principles of Balasaheb Thackeray for whom the nation came first and policies later,” Shinde said.

The Deputy CM also apprised the Prime Minister that citizens from Maharashtra stranded in Kuwait, Dubai, and Muscat due to the prevailing situation have been safely brought back to Mumbai and Pune.

He also expressed gratitude for ensuring the safe return of two Indian oil tankers from the Strait of Hormuz. 

He noted that the strong diplomatic relations the Prime Minister built with Gulf nations since the COVID-19 pandemic played a crucial role in ensuring their safe passage.

Shinde alleged that the Congress party and the Shiv Sena (UBT) are spreading baseless rumours regarding a gas shortage, thereby enabling black-marketing.

“There are numerous issues on which political debate can take place. However, indulging in such politics is highly inappropriate when the nation must stand united,” he said.

Referring to past instances,  Shinde noted that similar conduct was witnessed during “Operation Sindoor,” which even drew attention in Pakistan. “Some individuals make statements solely to feature in Pakistan’s headlines,” he remarked, sharply criticising  Rahul Gandhi.

“The opposition is attempting to create a misleading narrative against the Central government on various issues. As an important constituent of the National Democratic Alliance, the Shiv Sena will play a constructive as well as assertive role in Parliament and effectively counter the opposition’s misleading propaganda,” Shinde told the party MPs in New Delhi. 

Shinde presided over a meeting of the Shiv Sena MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Monday evening at the residence of his son and Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, who is the Shiv Sena parliamentary party leader.

The meeting was held during the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. 

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on various aspects of the Parliament's Budget session and the party's role during the proceedings.

Shiv Sena MPs deliberated on how the party should effectively present its position during the discussions on the Budget 2026-27.