Shinde's Salvos at Thackeray: A Battle of Ideologies

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a fierce critique against his political rival, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, during the party's 59th Foundation Day event. Shinde labeled Thackeray as a 'betrayer', accusing him of political desperation and changing allegiances like a chameleon, driven by a thirst for power.

Shinde drew a sharp contrast between his faction's adherence to the ideological roots laid by Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and what he describes as Thackeray's deviation for power gains. He further accused Thackeray of betraying Marathi people and Hindutva and alleged that Thackeray's party relied on Congress votes in recent elections.

In his address, Shinde underscored his party's commitment to winning upcoming local body elections, emphasizing that Balasaheb's ideology is their wealth. He urged party supporters to ready themselves, insisting that his side would make no compromises on their Hindutva principles despite political pressures.

(With inputs from agencies.)