Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 23: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has strongly criticized Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav for allegedly making a derogatory comment about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nirupam emphasized that while political differences are expected in a democracy, crossing the line into personal attacks is unacceptable.

An FIR was filed against Tejashwi in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district after BJP MLA Milind Narote filed a complaint over a social media post allegedly shared by the former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister. The post in question was deemed “objectionable” and accused of maligning the Prime Minister.

Speaking to reporters, Nirupam said, “Democracy thrives on ideological diversity, but there must be a boundary. When political disagreements turn into personal slurs, it diminishes the quality of our public discourse.”

He added that political leaders must exercise restraint, especially when expressing criticism. “Protesting or disagreeing with someone is part of a healthy democracy. But using derogatory or defamatory language is not only unethical—it’s harmful to civil society,” Nirupam stated.

Weighing in on another ongoing controversy, Nirupam also defended Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who recently recited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) anthem ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume’ during a session in the state Assembly. The move drew criticism from opposition benches, particularly Congress allies.

Nirupam dismissed the backlash, saying, “The RSS is a nationalist organisation that has been working for character building and patriotism since 1925. Criticism of the RSS usually comes from the Left or Congress figures influenced by outdated ideological biases.”

He continued, “If D.K. Shivakumar or anyone else sings an RSS song, it shouldn’t be treated as a transgression. Even Nehru had his disagreements with the RSS, and Rahul Gandhi continues that tradition—but we’ve all seen where that’s led them.”

The political storm erupted after Shivakumar defended his credentials during an Assembly speech, claiming he wasn’t raised in opposition circles but was instead a product of “Parameshwara’s school”—a reference to Congress leader G. Parameshwara. In response, BJP’s Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka reminded Shivakumar of his own admission of attending RSS shakhas as a child in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.

As debates intensify both over political speech and affiliations, Nirupam reiterated the need for civility in public life. “India deserves leaders who can disagree with dignity—not demean with insults,” he concluded.