Eknath Shinde Slams Uddhav Thackeray Over 'Remote Support' to Protests, Hindutva Ideology

MUMBAI — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday launched a sharp political attack on the Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing the Uddhav Thackeray-led party of extending "remote support" to ongoing protests without actually participating in them on the ground.

Speaking to reporters during a press briefing in Mumbai, Shinde specifically referred to the opposition party's backing of activist Sonam Wangchuk's protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Shinde remarked that the UBT faction preferred to "support agitations from home" rather than lead them directly on the streets.

The Deputy Chief Minister alleged that the opposition is actively attempting to create instability across the country by supporting every protest organized against the government. He strongly criticized comparisons of India with countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Shinde stated that the Narendra Modi-led government has instead strengthened the nation's economy and successfully lifted millions of people out of poverty through various welfare schemes.

Furthermore, Shinde defended the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), describing it as an ideological alliance rather than a coalition formed merely for political power. He accused Uddhav Thackeray of abandoning Bal Thackeray's Hindutva ideology by aligning with political parties that have previously criticized Hindutva icons. Highlighting major achievements such as the construction of the Ram Temple and the abrogation of Article 370, Shinde said the Modi government had fulfilled long-standing aspirations associated with Bal Thackeray's original vision.

Commenting on the recent merger claim made by six Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament, Shinde dismissed the party's legal objections. He stated that the MPs had followed the proper constitutional process before approaching the Lok Sabha Speaker, adding that the letter issued by the UBT leadership carried no significance.