📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Politics
Maharashtra CM says protesting is legitimate, but insulting PM Modi is anarchy
✍️ India Today
🗓 09 Oct 2026, 08:46 PM
👁 11
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized that while peaceful protests are acceptable, abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi amounts to anarchy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated that democratic dissent, including peaceful protests, is a legitimate part of India's political fabric. He made the remarks while addressing a press conference following recent demonstrations across the state.
Shinde warned that crossing the line into personal attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi constitutes anarchy, urging citizens to keep criticism within the bounds of respectful discourse. He stressed that the rule of law must protect both the right to protest and the dignity of elected officials.
Political analysts noted that the statement reflects the state government's attempt to balance support for democratic expression with loyalty to the central leadership. Opposition leaders, however, cautioned that such remarks could stifle legitimate dissent and called for a clearer definition of what constitutes "abuse" of the Prime Minister.
The CM's comments come amid a series of rallies on issues ranging from farmer distress to unemployment, underscoring the heightened sensitivity around political speech in the current climate.
Shinde warned that crossing the line into personal attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi constitutes anarchy, urging citizens to keep criticism within the bounds of respectful discourse. He stressed that the rule of law must protect both the right to protest and the dignity of elected officials.
Political analysts noted that the statement reflects the state government's attempt to balance support for democratic expression with loyalty to the central leadership. Opposition leaders, however, cautioned that such remarks could stifle legitimate dissent and called for a clearer definition of what constitutes "abuse" of the Prime Minister.
The CM's comments come amid a series of rallies on issues ranging from farmer distress to unemployment, underscoring the heightened sensitivity around political speech in the current climate.