India's 'Wagner Group' Will Bring Modi Govt's Downfall Using Ballot, Says Uddhav's Shiv Sena

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group in Russia, recently called for an armed rebellion, claiming control over military facilities in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray (fourth from left) at the Opposition meet on June 23.

Source : PTI

The Shiv Sena (UBT) made a bold statement on Monday by referring to the opposition parties as the "Wagner group" in India and  asserting that "it" will overthrow the Narendra Modi government. The statement, published as an editorial in the Sena (UBT)-affiliated newspaper 'Saamana', however, said that this will be done through peaceful means, utilizing the power of the ballot.

In a recent and highly dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, called for an armed rebellion, claiming control over military facilities in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. The group had even commenced a march towards Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the rebellion as an act of betrayal and treason. Subsequently, Prigozhin ordered his mercenaries to halt their advance on Moscow and retreat to their camps in Ukraine, aiming to avoid any loss of Russian lives. This decision came after negotiations conducted by the Belarusian president.

The editorial drew parallels between the "revolt against Russian President Putin" by the Wagner mercenary group and the June 23 meeting of opposition parties in Patna. Taking a decisive stance, more than 32 leaders from various opposition parties convened a crucial gathering in Patna, hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. They collectively resolved to confront the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unitedly in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Saamana editorial asserted that the "Wagner group" had demonstrated that dictatorship could be challenged. "It doesn't matter if it's Modi or Putin; they will face rebellion. The Indian government will be displaced by a non-violent 'Wagner' through the democratic path of the ballot box," the editorial read.

The editorial further emphasized that like Putin, Modi should be replaced, but in a democratic manner.

"The Wagner group assembled in Patna as guardians of democracy," the Marathi daily stated, alluding to the opposition parties' conclave in the Bihar capital.

It also argued that the outcome of the 2024 elections would not be determined by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), but by the people themselves.

The editorial warned that if there were any concerns regarding an EVM "scam", it would ignite a situation similar to Manipur, where the public's anger against the government was intense. The reference to Manipur pertained to the recent ethnic violence that erupted in the region, resulting in numerous casualties and significant destruction.

Additionally, the editorial alleged that the BJP had enlisted individuals, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction, as its "protectors," but these very people would turn against them in the future.

In June last year, Shinde led a rebellion against the Shiv Sena leadership, leading to a party split and the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Subsequently, with the BJP's support, Shinde assumed the role of Chief Minister.