Shiv Sena (UBT) slams ‘godman culture’, cites threat to Maharashtra’s legacy

The Shiv Sena UBT on Monday launched a sharp attack on the growing influence of selfstyled godmen in Maharashtra saying the trend is eroding the statersquos progressive legacy in a strongly worded editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana reported news agency IANSEditorial targets lsquogodman culturersquo in politicsReferring to the controversy surrounding selfproclaimed astrologer Ashok Kharat the party said the episode has exposed how political leaders and officials are increasingly turning to superstition for power and influenceThe editorial claimed that Maharashtrarsquos political landscape is shifting away from rational and progressive values towards what it described as a ldquoculture of superstitionrdquo reported IANSAllegations against political figuresThe article alleged that several prominent political figures including senior ministers and officials had visited Kharatrsquos ashram seeking guidanceIt further claimed that some leaders participated in occult practices aimed at gaining political advantage raising concerns over the influence of such beliefs in governance reported IANSCriticism over Womenrsquos Commission controversyThe editorial also criticised the former chairperson of the State Womenrsquos Commission stating that her resignation does not address the deeper systemic issues highlighted by the controversy reported IANSIt alleged that stronger action could have prevented harm to victims linked to the caseCall for accountability beyond individualsThe Shiv Sena UBT argued that responsibility should not be limited to Kharat alone but should extend to those who supported or associated with him reported IANSThe editorial said such associations reflect a broader problem within the political systemReference to reformist legacyDrawing a contrast with Maharashtrarsquos social reformers the party cited figures such as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Dr BR Ambedkar and poet Bahinabai Choudhari who promoted rational thinking and social reform reported IANSIt said the current trend of reliance on superstition undermines these idealsConcerns over governance and valuesThe editorial suggested that the growing dependence on rituals and occult practices reflects a lack of confidence among leaders and a shift away from meritbased governance reported IANSIt also questioned whether such practices align with the statersquos longstanding identity as a hub of progressive thoughtPolitical fallout continuesThe controversy surrounding Kharat who has been arrested on serious allegations continues to have political repercussions with opposition parties demanding wider accountabilityThe Shiv Sena UBT said the issue has caused significant damage to Maharashtrarsquos progressive image and called for a return to rational and constitutional valuesWith inputs from IANS