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Shinde alleged that the opposition’s actions were part of a larger conspiracy to disrupt the country’s progress and damage India’s image internationally.
On the opposition’s repeated protests, Shinde alleged that its actions were driven by desperation after successive electoral defeats rather than concern for citizens. (Photo: PTI file)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde termed October 12th a “black day” in the history of the country, condemning the INDIA bloc’s protest march towards the Supreme Court in Delhi.
Speaking exclusively to CNN News 18, Shinde accused the opposition of insulting the judiciary and the Constitution, alleging that its actions were part of a larger conspiracy to disrupt the country’s progress and damage India’s image internationally.
“They aren’t concerned about the citizens, they just want to do politics, 140 crore citizens of the are wise, and this is an international conspiracy, and everyone understands that” said Shinde.
Taking a strong dig at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders, Shinde said the opposition had crossed all limits by taking its protest to the Supreme Court. He alleged that the opposition was questioning constitutional institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Election Commission.
“Yesterday was a black day for the country. Protesting at the Supreme Court and attempting to pressurise it is an insult to the judiciary and an attack on the Constitution. I strongly condemn this” Shinde said.
The opposition alliance marched to the Supreme Court on Monday to submit a memorandum to the Chief Justice, demanding a halt to the SIR and resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Maharashtra Deputy CM also accused the opposition of invoking the Constitution while simultaneously disrespecting the institutions it safeguards. He questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s conduct, arguing that a leader holding the position of Leader of Opposition should be more mindful of the constitutional framework.
At A Glance
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde termed October 12th a black day due to the INDIA bloc’s protest march towards the Supreme Court.
The opposition alliance marched to the Supreme Court to submit a memorandum demanding a halt to the SIR and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Shinde highlighted that the opposition accepts electoral results in states like Telangana, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka while questioning the system after losses.
Shinde dismissed speculation of a rift within the Mahayuti alliance, asserting that coordination and communication remain intact among alliance leaders.
“Rahul Gandhi knows the law and understands the Constitution. Then why protest till the Supreme Court? This is an insult to the judiciary. He should apologise to the 140 crore people of the country” Shinde said.
Shinde also alleged that the protests were aimed at creating unrest and tarnishing India’s global image. Drawing parallels with revolutionary developments in neighbouring countries, he claimed that attempts were being made to replicate similar situations in India.
“Some people are trying to create unrest in the country and damage its image internationally. This could be an international conspiracy. But this is not Nepal, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka. This is the new Bharat,” he said.
The Deputy CM further accused the opposition of selectively questioning the Election Commission and electronic voting machines (EVMs), pointing out that its criticism intensified after electoral defeats. He asked why the opposition had accepted the electoral process when it won in states such as Telangana, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, but questioned the same system after losing elections elsewhere.
“Whenever they win in Telangana, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh or Karnataka, the Election Commission and EVMs are acceptable to them. But when they lose, everything becomes wrong. They keep questioning the electoral process” Shinde said.
He also targeted the Congress over its social media posts demanding resignation of the CJI and the remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning whether personal attacks and allegations against the country’s leadership were consistent with democratic conduct. Shinde contrasted the current political environment with the Emergency, arguing that people today are free to protest, criticise the government and express their views.
On the opposition’s repeated protests, Shinde alleged that its actions were driven by desperation after successive electoral defeats rather than concern for citizens. He maintained that the NDA alliance stood firmly behind Prime Minister Modi and accused opposition parties of attempting to obstruct the country’s development.
“Modi ji is working towards the development of the country, and they are jealous of its progress. They want to stop the country’s growth and defame India because they know they cannot win” he said.
In a sharp remark, Shinde said the opposition’s approach could be summed up as “Either we will rule the country or we will destroy the country.” He also said that the attempt to to damage the country’s image was “desh droh” and accused the opposition parties of becoming desperate for power.
“It is everyone’s right to protest in a democracy. But trying to spread unrest in the country is not patriotism” said Shinde.
On reports of a rift within the Mahayuti alliance after the DCM did not attend the meeting held by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with the central drought assessment team , Shinde dismissed speculation, asserting that decisions were taken collectively and that coordination and communication remained intact among alliance leaders. He said that leaders attending different programmes or engagements separately should not be interpreted as a sign of differences within the alliance.
“We work with coordination and have communication. I could be at work or attending a programme, while Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar could be at another programme. We take all decisions in coordination and trust each other,” he added.
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Ask News18Eknath Shinde condemned the INDIA bloc’s protest march to the Supreme Court on October 12, terming it an insult to the judiciary and an attack on the Constitution. The opposition marched to submit a memorandum demanding a halt to the SIR and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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October 13, 2026, 20:46 IST
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