Allegations Surface: Uddhav Thackeray's Secret Meeting with Fugitive Gupta Family Member

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has accused Uddhav Thackeray of secretly meeting Ajay Gupta, a member of the infamous Gupta family involved in South African scams. The meeting's purpose remains unclear, raising questions about potential financial motives connected to upcoming elections.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam claimed on Monday that Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), held a covert meeting with Ajay Gupta during his recent Delhi visit. The Gupta family, notorious for scams in South Africa, had to flee the country in 2018.

Though Uddhav's meetings with INDIA bloc leaders were publicly documented, his alleged encounter with Gupta was not. Nirupam questioned the motive behind this undisclosed meeting, hinting at potential financial solicitations for elections.

The Guptas, who migrated from Uttar Pradesh to South Africa in the 1990s, have an extensive business empire. Accused of leveraging their influence for financial gains and swaying senior appointments, the family has consistently denied any misconduct. Zuma's alleged corruption significantly marred his nine-year presidency.

(With inputs from agencies.)