Uddhav Thackeray Accuses CM Shinde of Betraying Maharashtra

Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, accusing him of bowing to Delhi and trying to buy votes with the Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme. Thackeray's speech, given in Thane amidst protests, urged supporters to uphold the party's values and focus on fair elections.

Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday, accusing him of 'bowing before Delhi' and undermining the state's autonomy. Thackeray, speaking to party workers in Thane, said the upcoming assembly elections are a battle against those who 'hate' Maharashtra.

Thackeray alleged that the state government was attempting to 'bribe' voters with the newly announced Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, urging women to take advantage of the scheme but not compromise their self-respect. He highlighted that the elections could be held in November, allowing the ruling alliance to gain maximum benefit from the scheme.

Protests marked Thackeray's arrival at the event, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers throwing tomatoes and cow dung at his convoy. Despite the disturbances, Thackeray focused on rallying his supporters, emphasizing the importance of preventing bogus voting and promoting the party's 'flaming torch' symbol.

(With inputs from agencies.)