Taking a swipe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on him, expressing pity for his inability to act against “corrupt” ministers despite commanding a “monstrous majority” in the Mahayuti government.
Urging Fadnavis to resist pressure and demand resignations of tainted ministers, Thackeray echoed the Congress’ barb, calling him a “Thief Minister” rather than Chief Minister.
Thackeray’s ire was directed at ministers from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, several of whom face allegations of corruption. Since the Mahayuti alliance’s formation, several ministers have been embroiled in controversies over alleged corruption cases.
The Uddhav Sena claims Maharashtra leads in corruption under the current regime, spotlighting at least four Shinde ministers with questionable records. By targeting these ministers, Thackeray is piling moral pressure on Fadnavis to act, intensifying a simmering cold war between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Disputes over power-sharing, file clearances, and the removal of Shinde’s aides from key posts have fueled speculation of a rift among the Mahayuti coalition. Thackeray’s call for action against Shinde’s ministers appears calculated to exploit this discord, placing Fadnavis in a moral and political bind.
To press their demands, Uddhav Sena launched the “Maharashtra Janakrosh Andolan,” a statewide protest led by the party chief, Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray, and other senior leaders. The demonstration, held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Mumbai’s Dadar near Late Maasaheb Minatai Thackeray’s statue, sought the ouster of corrupt Mahayuti ministers.
Thackeray also raised concerns about former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s “suspicious resignation,” alleging he was forced out for planning to challenge the central government and has since “vanished”. He warned that India risks resembling China or Russia, where dissenters disappear.
In response, Fadnavis dismissed the protests, claiming his government is “stealing the love of the people,” which the opposition cannot digest, driving their frustration to the streets.
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