Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Slams Uddhav Thackeray Over Shivaji Statue Controversy

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized his rival Uddhav Thackeray for allegedly politicizing the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, comparing his actions to those of historical enemies Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan. Shinde condemned the opposition's focus on the Shiva statue collapse incident and highlighted safety issues under the previous administration.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a scathing attack against his rival and predecessor Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of politicizing the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shinde compared Thackeray's actions to historical figures Aurangzeb and Afzal Khan.

Speaking to reporters, Shinde criticized the opposition for focusing on the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sindhudurg's Malvan area on August 26. He pointed out that top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had already apologized for the incident, yet political maneuvers continued.

Shinde also mentioned incidents from Congress-ruled Karnataka, where a similar statue was uprooted, and highlighted various failings of the opposition, emphasizing that the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana had reached its beneficiaries. He also noted the safety concerns for women during the previous MVA rule, citing the arrests of MP Navneet Rana and actor-turned-BJP MP Kangana Ranaut.

(With inputs from agencies.)