Went to Kumbh to wash off their sin of abandoning Balasaheb's ideology: Shinde hits back at Uddhav

Thane, Feb 28: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Friday, took a sharp dig at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, asserting that his visit to the Maha Kumbh was to cleanse the sins of those who abandoned Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s ideology. His remarks were a direct counter to Uddhav Thackeray’s statement that a dip in the Ganga could not wash away Shinde’s alleged betrayal of Maharashtra.

Speaking at an event marking Sant Ravidas Maharaj Jayanti, Shinde emphasized the spiritual significance of the Maha Kumbh, where 65 crore devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. He dismissed Thackeray’s criticism, stating, “Uddhav Thackeray says I went to Kumbh to wash off my sins. But I went there to seek spiritual fulfillment and to wash off their sin of betraying Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology and the legacy of Shiv Sena. They mistreated Shiv Sainiks and abandoned Balasaheb’s vision.”

Continuing his attack, Shinde accused his rivals of trying to defame the Maha Kumbh while choosing to “hide their sins in London.” He also took a jibe at the opposition’s chances in the upcoming elections, predicting their complete downfall.

Shinde Reacts to Uddhav Thackeray’s Thane Tour​

Responding to Uddhav Thackeray’s plan to tour Maharashtra, beginning from Thane—Shinde’s stronghold—the deputy CM asserted that Thane remains the bastion of Balasaheb Thackeray and the Shiv Sena. “Our Lok Sabha MP from Thane belongs to Shiv Sena. All MLAs from Thane in the Mahayuti alliance were elected. Let them come to Thane or anywhere else; people will decide their fate,” he said.

Strictest Punishment for Pune Rape Accused​

Shinde also addressed the recent rape incident at the Swargate bus station in Pune, condemning the crime as “unfortunate and deplorable.” He assured that the state government has zero tolerance for crimes against women and vowed to take strict action.

“I have personally spoken to the Pune Police Commissioner. The case will be taken up on a fast-track basis. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar are monitoring the developments. The accused will be given the harshest punishment to serve as a deterrent,” he declared.

The deputy CM further emphasized the government’s commitment to women’s safety, stating, “No one should dare to harm our beloved sisters in the future. Our government is dedicated to ensuring their security and will take decisive action against such crimes.”

As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming elections, the political battle between rival factions of the Shiv Sena continues to intensify while the government remains under pressure to ensure justice and safety for its citizens.