Shiv Sena (UBT) Launches ‘Sindoor Raksha’ Protest Against India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match
Mumbai, Sep 11: The Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction is gearing up for a big show of resistance. They’re kicking off the ‘Sindoor Raksha’ movement—meaning ‘My Kumkum, My Country’—to protest the upcoming India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match on September 14 in Dubai. This comes amid rising tensions over Pakistan’s role in terrorism, and the party wants to make their voice heard loud and clear.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut led the charge during a press meet today. He announced that thousands of women from Maharashtra will send ‘sindoor’—the traditional red vermilion powder symbolizing marital honor—from their homes straight to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Raut called the decision to host the India-Pakistan cricket match a "betrayal and treason," especially when the pain from the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack still lingers. "The cries of 26 mothers and sisters who lost their loved ones haven’t faded yet," he said passionately.
Raut didn’t hold back on his criticism. He pointed out that Operation Sindoor, India’s bold move to dismantle Pakistan’s terror network, is far from over. Yet, here we are, watching an India-Pakistan cricket match unfold in Abu Dhabi just days away. "The children of BJP ministers will probably cheer from the stands," he quipped, taking a jab at Jay Shah, son of Home Minister Amit Shah and head of the BCCI. "Amit Shah preaches patriotism to us, but this? Shiv Sena (UBT) hasn’t forgotten our roots—we’re staying true to Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology."
The protest ramps up on Sunday, with the party’s women’s wing leading the way. Raut shared that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray held a key meeting and greenlit the plan. Women across Maharashtra will join in, sending sindoor as a symbol of honor and national pride. "In honor of sindoor, Shiv Sena hits the field—with the message ‘Sindoor ke sammaan mein, Shiv Sena maidan mein’," Raut declared.
He slammed the match as a direct slap to public sentiment in India. Recalling strong words from PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about breaking Pakistan’s back and how "blood and water can’t flow together," Raut asked, "So how can blood and cricket mix?" He even challenged the BJP, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to speak up: "What’s your stand on this India-Pakistan cricket clash? At least say something if you’re the pro-Hindutva champions."
Drawing from history, Raut remembered how Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray always opposed sports ties with Pakistan. "When cricketer Javed Miandad visited our home, Balasaheb offered him tea and said, ‘Now leave.’ We’re not here to welcome such matches," he added.
Raut’s sharp words targeted the BJP directly: "Pakistan spills blood in Kashmir, and now they play cricket with us? Isn’t this shameful? BJP, answer this—open your mouth and oppose it." He emphasized that the grief from terror attacks persists, with women’s pain echoing everywhere. "Shiv Sena can’t stomach this. Our women’s wing will hit the streets in protest."
This ‘Sindoor Raksha’ movement highlights deep emotions around India-Pakistan relations, cricket diplomacy, and national security. As the Asia Cup kicks off, expect more buzz from Maharashtra’s political scene. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story.
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