Uddhav Thackeray sought votes under Balasaheb, PM names, then dumped them: CM Eknath Shinde

Says doors of Varsha open for all, earlier there was 'curfew'

Eknath Shinde, Uddhav Thackeray, shiv sena, Balasaheb Thackeray, Mumbai news, Maharashtra, Indian Express, current affairs

Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde

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Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) president and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray saying he dumped the “natural alliance” with BJP and misused Bal Thackeray and Narendra Modi’s names to win elections.

“They sought votes keeping their photos and then ditched them by joining the Congress. They deserted voters and misused people’s mandate in their lust for power. Who are the real ;gaddars’ (traitors)? Just because we don’t stoop low, doesn’t mean we will not speak. If we start speaking, they will have no place to show their face,” said Shinde. He was speaking at a public meeting in Thane on Thursday.

Shinde said it was unfortunate that the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray were “trampled upon just for power”. “Balasaheb Thackeray’s dream of scrapping Article 370 was done by PM Narendra Modi and you betrayed him. We stepped out of power to uphold the ideals of Bal Thackeray and Dharamveer Anand Dighe,” said Shinde, adding, “keeping Balasaheb’s ideals alive is the sole purpose of our lives.”

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He further said that the government’s accessibility is indigestible to many. “The doors of Varsha (CM’s official residence) are always open for all. Earlier, it was not the case. There was a curfew-like situation. Now people feel they are heard and get assurance that their work will be done,” he said.

Shinde said BJP showed honesty in the alliance and allowed Shiv Sena to assume power unopposed in the BMC elections in 2017. “If BJP wanted to, it could have staked claim on the BMC as they had enough numbers, but Devendra Fadnavis showed his large-heartedness and allowed Sena to stake claim and today they are calling him names,” said Shinde.

On one year of his government, Shinde said the pace at which work is being done has not been seen previously. “People who only sit at home will never know what it means to have ‘Shasan Aplya Daari’ (government at your doorstep). No decisions were taken in the last 2.5 years of the previous government. To add to our pace, we now have Ajit Pawar also with us,” said Shinde. He added that his government had the blessings of the people and now has the support of over 200 MLAs.

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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