Aaditya Thackeray slams BJP for clearing Pakistan to play in hockey tournament

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray slammed the Centre on Friday (July 4, 2025) for allegedly providing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Pakistan to participate in the Hockey Asia Cup tournament being held in Bihar.

Questioning the double standards of the BJP-led Central government, Mr. Thackeray stated, “Pakistan, from where terrorists were dispatched, who killed Indians after asking about their religious affiliation in Pahalgam, today, the BJP’s sports minister cleared Pakistan to take part in the hockey tournament. We are investigating Pakistan, yet playing with them.”

Soon, BCCI will give the green signal for Pakistan to participate in the Cricket Asia Cup if the people of the country do not object, Mr. Thackeray added.

Pakistan a plank for elections

Mr. Thackeray slammed the BJP for using Pakistan to win elections and for their diplomatic outreach programme: “the BJP has been the only party that keeps talking about ending relations with Pakistan and yet keeps going back on its words.”

Mr. Thackeray, who is a former minister, raised these concerns after the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Ministry reportedly cleared Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7. 

Mr. Thackeray targeted the BJP over its diplomacy concerning Pakistan and called it a “failure.” “Pakistan secured the chairmanship of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC); besides the Asia Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are providing them funds. Where is the External Affairs Minister. and what has he achieved through his diplomacy?” he asked. 

“The BJP is trying to be a big leader, sending delegations around the globe over Operation Sindoor. BJP has to answer people. When we are cutting ties with Pakistan, why are we playing with them?” he asked. On the Pahalgam attack, he asked, “Where are the perpetrators?”