In a sharp critique aimed at his political ally and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, State Minister Eknath Shinde has launched a scathing attack, predicting a political downfall for Thackeray’s Shiv Sena party. Shinde’s comments come amidst simmering tensions within the ruling coalition in Maharashtra.
During a public address, Shinde remarked, “How many more times will he (Uddhav Thackeray) cry… His party was in sixth position in the Gram Panchayat elections. In this Lok Sabha election, we got more votes than him.” These remarks underscore a growing rift within the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which comprises Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress.
Shinde, who is also a senior leader of the Shiv Sena, continued to criticize Thackeray’s leadership, stating, “How many more times will he say that our party symbol was stolen… people voted in our favour because they abandoned Bala Saheb’s ideas.” This reference to Shiv Sena’s late founder Bal Thackeray suggests a deeper ideological divide within the party.
Highlighting electoral statistics, Shinde pointed out, “His party’s strike rate was 42% and ours was 47%. The people of Maharashtra know which vote bank helped him (Uddhav Thackeray) get the seats in the Lok Sabha.” These comments reflect a strategic political maneuvering amidst upcoming elections in the state.
Predicting a significant loss for Shiv Sena in future elections, Shinde remarked, “He will fall (seats in Assembly Elections) so much that he will realise what a big mistake he made by abandoning Bala Saheb’s ideas.” This stark prediction indicates a possible shake-up in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
In a final jab at Thackeray’s recent public engagements, Shinde noted, “It is a matter of joy that the one who earlier (Uddhav Thackeray) did not go out of the gate of his home, is now meeting farmers in their fields.” This statement reflects the shifting dynamics and perceived image changes within the Shiv Sena leadership.
The escalating verbal duel between Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray highlights the fragility of the MVA alliance and sets the stage for potentially turbulent times ahead in Maharashtra politics. As both leaders position themselves ahead of crucial elections, the state’s political landscape remains fluid and uncertain.
