Mumbai: In the midst of a brewing political storm in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has made a stunning revelation that former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray once apologized to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed a desire to form an alliance with the BJP. However, Thackeray allegedly backtracked on his stance upon returning to Mumbai. This claim has ignited a fierce debate, with Thackeray vehemently denying the allegations and accusing Shinde of distorting history. The controversy underscores the deepening rift between the Shiv Sena factions and the BJP, setting the stage for an intense political battle ahead of upcoming elections.
Eknath Shinde’s assertion that Uddhav Thackeray met PM Modi in Delhi, apologized, and sought a coalition government with the BJP has been met with strong resistance from Thackeray. Thackeray dismissed Shinde’s claims, suggesting that Shinde was inconsequential during their time together and implying he was unaware of Shinde’s plans. This exchange highlights the escalating tensions between the two Shiv Sena factions.
Shinde defended his decision to break away from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), emphasizing that his faction acted transparently to protect the Shiv Sena’s ideology. He claimed that Thackeray’s faction had compromised Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy by embracing what he termed “Aurangzeb’s ideology” and joining forces with the Congress.
The political landscape in Maharashtra continues to be marked by rifts and strategic maneuvers. Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena UBT leader, previously alleged that Shinde had considered joining the Congress in the past. Meanwhile, former Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole extended an offer to Shinde and Ajit Pawar, proposing a rotational chief minister post if they were to join the opposition alliance. These developments reflect the complex web of alliances and rivalries shaping the state’s politics.
