Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized the alliance between the Thackeray cousins, calling it a “selfish partnership” driven by political desperation rather than a commitment to the people. He expressed doubts about the impact of this new front on the Mahayuti in the BMC elections. Shinde emphasized that the alliance seemed more focused on self-preservation and power rather than the welfare of the state.
Shinde pointed out that the alliance lacked genuine intentions, stating, “This is not a union of hearts; it is a union for the chair.” Responding to Raj Thackeray’s remarks about “political child-lifters,” Shinde retorted, highlighting the importance of taking care of one’s party workers before making such comments. He asserted that his faction is the true heir to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy and criticized the Thackeray cousins for their alleged inaction during their tenure.
Questioning the sudden unity of the cousins after two decades of separation, Shinde raised concerns about their past neglect of the Marathi vote bank. He questioned their motives, asking why they had taken the Marathi people for granted for so long. Additionally, Shinde unveiled a plan to provide affordable housing within Mumbai for residents who had been compelled to move to satellite cities due to high living costs.
Leaders from the Shinde faction dismissed the alliance as a mere “photo opportunity,” with spokesperson Manisha Kayande highlighting that reuniting brothers did not address the administrative shortcomings of previous BMC regimes led by the Shiv Sena UBT.
