Speedy Summary
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accused Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray of betraying BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis in 2019 after their alliance retained majority in the assembly elections.
- Shinde revealed that Fadnavis made “40-50 calls” to Thackeray following the elections, but these went unanswered, leading to Thackeray aligning with Congress rather of BJP.
- Shinde criticized thackerays decision to abandon the alliance, calling it a betrayal and likened it to “changing colours” quickly.
- He highlighted his role in persuading fadnavis to cede the Mumbai mayoral position to Shiv Sena after civic polls in 2017.
- Shinde claimed that during his rebellion against Thackeray in 2022, there were offers for reconciliation but alleged that together Thackeray tried to dissuade BJP’s support for the rebel group.
- The Deputy CM alleged that plans for a Lata Mangeshkar music school were canceled by Thackeray due to displeasure over PM Modi receiving an award from Mangeshkar’s family. Under Shinde’s leadership as CM (2022), he revived the initiative for this school.
- The comments coincided with recent amiable exchanges between leaders; Devendra Fadnavis had invited Uddhav Thackeray back into alignment with the ruling party.
indian Opinion Analysis
The remarks by Eknath Shinde reflect ongoing political tensions within Maharashtra politics stemming from alignments and re-alignments as major shifts post-2019 assembly elections when Uddhav Thackeray moved away from BJP and formed an unlikely coalition with Congress and NCP. This episode is illustrative of long-term fissures not just within parties but across alliances which have repeatedly reshaped Maharashtra governance dynamics.
Claims linking discontinuation of a public project like Lata Mangeshkar music school highlight how interpersonal rifts may lead to policy inconsistencies or delayed implementation-a significant concern if true given broader implications on governance priorities transcending political differences.
shinde’s rhetorical engagement reflects efforts at solidifying his own leadership narrative post-split while emphasizing realignment possibilities hinted by recent developments involving Devendra fadnavis inviting cooperation regarding future coalitions-a signal which may not only recalibrate state politics but also impact national strategies ahead.
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