Mumbai, Oct 13, 2026 — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has strongly condemned the opposition INDIA bloc's recent march to the Supreme Court, describing the demonstration as a deliberate attempt to exert pressure on the judiciary. Speaking at a press conference, the senior Shiv Sena leader characterized the protest over alleged poll irregularities and SIR as a black day in the nation's history, asserting that such a public show of strength directed at the apex court is unprecedented in India.
While acknowledging that political parties possess the legitimate right to seek legal remedies, Shinde argued that organizing a large-scale march specifically to file a court petition constitutes a direct attack and an insult to the highest judicial institution. He went on to demand an unconditional apology from the opposition coalition, accusing them of maintaining a singular agenda aimed at generating public confusion, unrest, and national instability.
The opposition alliance had previously organized a March for Democracy toward the Supreme Court in the national capital to submit a joint petition challenging electoral irregularities. Reacting to these developments, Shinde reiterated his condemnation and stated that the opposition owes an apology to the entire population of the country.
The deputy chief minister also took aim at remarks made by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding ongoing protests, during which Gandhi likened the movement to a divine dance. Shinde contended that invoking such imagery amounted to a grave disrespect of Hindu traditions, warning that the opposition would face political ruin if divine retribution were invoked.
Furthermore, Shinde accused the frustrated opposition of attempting to foster internal chaos, noting that opposition figures frequently point to recent political turmoil in neighboring nations to signal instability. He claimed that having suffered three consecutive electoral defeats against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the alliance has resorted to sowing anarchy.
Concluding his remarks, Shinde criticized the opposition for displaying double standards regarding the electoral process. He noted that the coalition routinely questions electronic voting machines and blames the Election Commission when they lose, yet conveniently remains silent about their electoral victories in states such as Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.