Last Updated:
Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane criticised Uddhav Thackeray and said that Salman Khan is more of a Hindu than him.
Actor Salman Khan and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.
There is ongoing controversy surrounding Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s attendance at a speech by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat last week. Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane used the opportunity to criticise Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray.
“Salman Khan is more of a Hindu than Uddhav… he had the courage to attend an RSS programme,” Rane asserted.
In response to Rane’s comments, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi hit back and accused the BJP of putting “government pressure” on the hugely popular actor.
“… Salman Khan is an actor and he has to live with respect in the country. If people from the ruling side say something, I don’t think Salman Khan has the courage to refuse that,” he stated, adding, “He must have gone there under government pressure.”
Eknath Shinde Supports Salman Khan
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stood in support of Salman Khan and said that there is nothing wrong in him attending Mohan Bhagwat’s programme.
“Salman Khan attending an RSS event, or not attending it… what kind of question is this? Isn’t he an Indian citizen? … he installs Lord Ganesha at his home, does everything, respects our culture… I don’t see anything wrong with Salman Khan attending the programme of Mohan Bhagwat. It is appropriate,” he said.
“… he is a Mumbai resident, we shouldn’t politicise his attendance at a Mumbai event,” the Deputy Chief Minister added.
During the programme, Bhagwat made a strong push for a ‘swadeshi’ economic model, saying that while global interdependence is a reality, it must be voluntary and free of pressure, rather than a result of trade wars or tariff-driven compulsions.
‘…To Pull Crowd’: Shiv Sena Slams Actor’s Presence
A massive controversy erupted after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut suggested the actor’s presence was “to pull a crowd… to show Muslims are now welcome in the Sangh”.
He claimed chatter suggested the invitation was more coercion than conviction.
February 11, 2026, 12:37 IST
Read More
