Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske launched a scathing attack on the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction on Tuesday, asserting that those involved in large-scale corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic have no moral authority to criticise senior Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Addressing a press conference at Anand Ashram in Thane, MP Mhaske stated, “When I was Mayor, the Thane Municipal Corporation procured body bags at ₹350 each. But the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under UBT leadership bought the same bags for ₹7,000. Why the drastic difference? The truth is obvious. Suraj Chavan was jailed for the Khichdi scam—whose aide was he? Sanjay Raut was jailed for the Patra scam. Those with such tainted backgrounds have no right to speak against Eknath Shinde.”
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Mhaske further revealed that during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s tenure, then Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde was deliberately excluded from the city’s planning processes. “When asked about Shinde’s exclusion, Sanjay Raut reportedly said, “The BMC is under the Thackeray family’s control. All decisions will be made by them and their associates. Tell Eknath Shinde not to interfere,” Mhaske alleged.
Taking aim at Raut, Mhaske said, “Sanjay Raut has always disrespected Dharmaveer Anand Dighe, who distanced himself from Raut.” He also mocked Raut for claiming that Balasaheb Thackeray appeared in his dreams.
Reflecting on the MVA era, Mhaske said, “Back then, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi made UBT leaders wait outside their homes in Delhi. Everyone saw who they truly supported. In contrast, at the recent NDA meeting, our leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had the honour of congratulating PM Modi and the Indian Army for Operation Sindoor’s success.”
He concluded by emphasising the national recognition Shiv Sena has received under Shinde’s leadership. “MP Dr Shrikant Shinde was entrusted with leading a delegation of MPs on an international tour—an honour for Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut and his associates remain outside the gates of power, with no relevance or role,” Mhaske remarked.