24 February,2026 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre, terming the Youth Congress protest at Bharat Mandapam a "semi-nude revolution" that reflects the state of democracy in the country, reported news agency IANS.
In a strongly worded editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party alleged that democratic institutions have been "exposed" during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, referring to the current period as "Amrit Kaal".
The Saamana editorial claimed that institutions such as democracy, the Election Commission, and the judiciary have been undermined, using metaphorical language to argue that the real damage to the country's prestige lies in governance issues rather than symbolic protests, reported IANS.
The Thackeray-led faction questioned the Prime Minister's strong reaction to the shirtless protest, suggesting inconsistency in addressing more serious incidents.
The editorial cited past events, including the violence in Manipur, where women were paraded naked, alleging that such incidents did not receive an equally forceful response from the leadership. It also referenced earlier protests by women and cultural practices such as the presence of Naga sadhus during the Kumbh Mela, arguing that "nudity" has been viewed differently depending on context, reported IANS.
By invoking these comparisons, the party attempted to highlight what it described as selective outrage by the ruling establishment.
The editorial further criticised the Centre over its reported trade agreement with former US President Donald Trump, alleging that it compromised India's interests. It claimed that despite such issues, the government continues to focus primarily on criticising the Congress party.
According to the Shiv Sena (UBT), attacking the opposition has become a "routine political strategy," even as larger national concerns remain unaddressed, reported IANS.
Drawing on historical context, the editorial referred to remarks made by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill about Mahatma Gandhi, noting how Gandhi was once mocked as a "semi-naked fakir" but went on to lead India's freedom struggle, reported IANS.
The party used this comparison to argue that symbolic expressions - such as the Youth Congress protest - should not be dismissed outright, and that they can carry deeper political significance.
The editorial concluded with a broader critique of the current political climate, alleging that while the government accuses opponents of damaging the nation's dignity, its own actions have exposed systemic weaknesses.
(With inputs from IANS)
