In a bold political move ahead of Maharashtra’s elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah challenged the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, to publicly praise key figures like Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray, sparking a fresh political debate. Shah, addressing a gathering in Maharashtra, questioned whether Gandhi could express admiration for Savarkar, a prominent freedom fighter who has often been a point of contention due to his controversial views, and for Bal Thackeray, the influential founder of Shiv Sena, who had a legacy marked by strong regionalist rhetoric. This challenge comes at a time when political alliances are under scrutiny and regional sentiment plays a significant role in the state’s electoral dynamics. The remarks were made as part of BJP’s election campaign, positioning the party in alignment with Maharashtra’s historical figures. Shah emphasized the region’s contributions to the independence movement and Maharashtra’s social revolutions, drawing on the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj and the Bhakti movement. The BJP has presented itself as the guardian of these legacies, with Shah’s comments aimed at both bolstering local support and questioning the stance of opposition parties​.