Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde launched a blistering attack on Uddhav Thackeray and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut during the party’s 60th foundation day celebrations, intensifying the political battle within the Shiv Sena as speculation grows over possible defections from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) camp.
Shinde Hints at Fresh Political Upheaval
Addressing party workers, Shinde appeared to signal the possibility of another major political realignment, drawing parallels with the dramatic rebellion he spearheaded in 2022 that reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Without naming specific leaders, Shinde suggested that he remains capable of engineering significant political developments if circumstances demand it. His remarks came against the backdrop of reports claiming that several MPs from the UBT faction could be considering a change in allegiance.
Sharp Attack on Uddhav Thackeray
The Shiv Sena leader accused Uddhav Thackeray of alienating party workers and senior leaders through what he described as an inflexible and arrogant approach to leadership. According to Shinde, a political organisation weakens when leaders fail to accommodate differing views and rely only on those who agree with them.
He argued that the departure of several leaders from the Thackeray camp over the years reflected deeper dissatisfaction within the organisation and questioned the UBT faction’s ability to retain its cadre base.
Sanjay Raut Also in Shinde’s Crosshairs
Shinde reserved some of his strongest criticism for Sanjay Raut, mocking the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader’s comments on the ongoing political developments. He asserted that major political decisions require courage and determination, while dismissing Raut’s criticism as lacking substance.
The Deputy Chief Minister used a series of metaphors to portray himself as a leader willing to take bold decisions, while taking aim at opponents who he claimed merely comment from the sidelines.
Warning to Political Opponents
In a strongly worded message, Shinde also cautioned rival leaders against issuing threats to him or his supporters. He maintained that Shiv Sena workers would firmly respond to any attempts at intimidation and asserted that he had never backed down from political challenges.
Recalling the tense atmosphere surrounding the 2022 rebellion, Shinde said he had faced repeated threats but continued to move forward without fear. He claimed that many of those who challenged him publicly failed to act when the moment arrived.
Electoral Record Becomes New Battleground
The Deputy Chief Minister further alleged that the UBT faction has struggled to perform consistently in a series of elections held after the split in Shiv Sena. He argued that the party’s electoral setbacks reflected growing public disillusionment and organisational weakness.
Shinde’s remarks are likely to deepen tensions between the two rival Shiv Sena factions, with both camps continuing to battle for political dominance, party workers, and public support ahead of future electoral contests in Maharashtra.
