“Seeking Modi’s help…”: Eknath Shinde’s Big Charge against Uddhav Thackeray

The political battle between the two factions of Shiv Sena intensified as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made a startling claim against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray in the Legislative Council on Thursday. Shinde alleged that Thackeray, who often criticises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had once bowed before Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi to escape action by investigative agencies.

Shinde alleged that Thackeray had visited Delhi, seeking protection and offering to form an alliance government in Maharashtra. However, after returning to the state, he changed his stance, which Shinde termed a "betrayal" by the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. He accused the Shiv Sena (UBT) of abandoning the ideology of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and embracing the ideology of Aurangzeb by aligning with the Congress. “Balasaheb Thackeray kept Congress at a distance, but you joined hands with them for power,” Shinde remarked. He further claimed that his faction had freed the Shiv Sena from Congress’ control two and a half years ago.

In addition, he also alleged that the former Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government had conspired to imprison BJP leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Girish Mahajan, Ashish Shelar, and Pravin Darekar. “But we rejected ministerial positions, rebelled, toppled the MVA government, and formed the Mahayuti government,” he stated.

Taking a jibe at Thackeray, Shinde said that while the former Chief Minister previously avoided meeting MLAs and ministers, he now interacts with party leaders. “This change has happened. Though I am not a doctor, I have conducted the necessary treatment and operation. Now, people are actively moving, and Maharashtra is witnessing the change. I should be given credit for this,” he quipped.​