Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reacted after a video purportedly showed the Popular Front of India (PFI) protesters in Pune raising “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans. He further stated that “anti-national” slogans will not be tolerated on “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s land”.
In the video, one could see the PFI cadres, protesting against the ED and CBI action against the radical outfit, protesting in Pune. Slogans of “Pakistan Zindabad” were allegedly raised by protesters during the agitation.
Eknath Shinde condemned the incident and tweeted, “No amount of condemnation for the sort of anti-national ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans that have been raised in Pune, is enough. Police will definitely take appropriate action but such slogans will not be tolerated on Shivaji’s land.”
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the Home Minister said that strict action will be taken against those who are responsible for the act.
Speaking in Nagpur, Fadnavis said, “If anyone raises a ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogan in Maharashtra or in India, then that person will not be spared and action will be taken against them. We will find them out wherever they may be and will take action against them.”
The PFI organised a protest outside the district collector’s office in Pune, on Friday during which 40 protesters were arrested. The protest was conducted to denounce the recent nationwide raids on the organisation and the arresting of its activists.