Mumbai, February 27 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for not attending the recently concluded Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Shinde suggested that Thackeray was hesitant to identify himself as a Hindu, despite Shiv Sena’s long-standing association with Hindutva ideology.
The Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the most sacred Hindu gatherings, took place from January 13 to February 26, drawing a record 66 crore devotees to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Speaking to reporters, Shinde pointed out that while Bal Thackeray had once popularized the slogan "Garv se kaho hum Hindu hain" (Say with pride that we are Hindu), the current leadership of Shiv Sena (UBT) appeared reluctant to embrace this identity.
“Those who skipped Maha Kumbh should be asked why they did so. They keep claiming they are Hindus, yet they hesitate to acknowledge it openly,” Shinde remarked, indirectly targeting Thackeray and the Congress leadership.
Shinde also addressed the ongoing dispute over the appointment of guardian ministers in Maharashtra. The state government had initially named Girish Mahajan (BJP) and Aditi Tatkare (NCP) as guardian ministers for Nashik and Raigad, respectively. However, after Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) staked a claim over the posts, the decision was put on hold. Shinde assured that the issue would be resolved soon and emphasized that Mahayuti, the ruling coalition, was functioning with coordination.
Amid growing discontent in Shiv Sena (UBT), Suhas Minchekar, a former MLA from Kolhapur, switched allegiance to Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Tuesday. He became the third former UBT legislator to defect within two weeks.
Earlier, on February 15, Rajan Salvi, a former three-time MLA from Rajapur, had joined Shinde’s camp after losing the November assembly elections to Kiran Samant of Shiv Sena. Similarly, former legislator Subhash Bane also shifted loyalty to Shinde’s faction earlier this month.
Shiv Sena (UBT) has been witnessing a series of high-profile exits since its poor performance in the Maharashtra Assembly polls, further strengthening Shinde’s faction as the dominant Shiv Sena in the state.
The Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the most sacred Hindu gatherings, took place from January 13 to February 26, drawing a record 66 crore devotees to the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Speaking to reporters, Shinde pointed out that while Bal Thackeray had once popularized the slogan "Garv se kaho hum Hindu hain" (Say with pride that we are Hindu), the current leadership of Shiv Sena (UBT) appeared reluctant to embrace this identity.
“Those who skipped Maha Kumbh should be asked why they did so. They keep claiming they are Hindus, yet they hesitate to acknowledge it openly,” Shinde remarked, indirectly targeting Thackeray and the Congress leadership.
Guardian Minister Appointments to Be Resolved Soon
Shinde also addressed the ongoing dispute over the appointment of guardian ministers in Maharashtra. The state government had initially named Girish Mahajan (BJP) and Aditi Tatkare (NCP) as guardian ministers for Nashik and Raigad, respectively. However, after Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) staked a claim over the posts, the decision was put on hold. Shinde assured that the issue would be resolved soon and emphasized that Mahayuti, the ruling coalition, was functioning with coordination.
Another UBT Leader Joins Shinde’s Shiv Sena
Amid growing discontent in Shiv Sena (UBT), Suhas Minchekar, a former MLA from Kolhapur, switched allegiance to Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Tuesday. He became the third former UBT legislator to defect within two weeks.
Earlier, on February 15, Rajan Salvi, a former three-time MLA from Rajapur, had joined Shinde’s camp after losing the November assembly elections to Kiran Samant of Shiv Sena. Similarly, former legislator Subhash Bane also shifted loyalty to Shinde’s faction earlier this month.
Shiv Sena (UBT) has been witnessing a series of high-profile exits since its poor performance in the Maharashtra Assembly polls, further strengthening Shinde’s faction as the dominant Shiv Sena in the state.
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