Prominent members of Maharashtra’s civil society have urged voters to support the Maha Vikas Aghadi, the state’s Opposition coalition that is part of the INDIA bloc, and reclaim the state’s progressive heritage.
In a public appeal on Thursday, the signatories urged all “vigilant citizens” of the state to vote for the MVA and the INDIA grouping as “they clearly represent the only viable political option for the people of Maharashtra and the country”.
Declaring they will not vote for the BJP or any of its allies, the civil society members said: “The current regime in Maharashtra is not merely a coalition of three power-hungry parties, but it is a puppet regime formed by an immoral trio! We are aware that its strings are being tugged from Delhi at the behest of Modi-Shah.”
The signatories include Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar Gandhi, author Ram Puniyani, activist Teesta Setalvad, former high court judge B.G. Kolse Patil and filmmaker Anand Patwardhan.
The statement comes amid dissension within the MVA over ticket distribution.
Recalling Maharashtra’s legacy, the signatories said the state once stood as a beacon of progressive, value-based politics.
“In our proud heritage, we can recount great progressive figures such as Sant Tukaram, Sant Janabai, Sant Soyrabai and Sant Namdev Maharaj. They weren’t just a part of
our spiritual legacy but were also the cultural jewels of Maharashtra,” the statement said.
“Moreover, the great and legendary figures such as Shivaji Maharaj, Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar have significantly influenced our moral compass and national ethos in every aspect of our lives.
“It is due to their sacrifices and contributions that Maharashtra has maintained its status as a beacon, a national benchmark for socio-political principles, economic prosperity, and cultural integrity.
“Today Maharashtra’s reputation has been tarnished and sullied by the lust for power of three immoral opportunistic political parties who have abandoned any modicum of ethics and morality and are mere proxy puppets of Modi and Shah.”
