Mumbai, June 30 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde on Tuesday took sharp jibe at his predecessor and political rival, Uddhav Thackeray, advising him to look inward rather than throwing brickbats at those exiting the Shiv Sena-UBT.

Dismissing allegations of engineering splits within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena faction, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde emphasised that leaders are joining him voluntarily due to his administration’s development-driven agenda.

He was speaking at the press conference welcoming Sachin Ahir who defected from the UBT to Shinde faction and filed his nomination for the post of Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson.

“This is an organisation that respects its word, which is why people are joining us of their own volition. Six MPs decided to come with us recently. An MP is a public representative elected by 20 to 25 lakh people. Each one of them has stated their reasons for coming over to the Shiv Sena. The basic expectation of any representative is to do justice to the public and their constituency, solve their grievances, and have a leader who stands by them in times of crisis. That is exactly why everyone is joining us,” the Deputy Chief Minister asserted.

Taking a direct swipe at Thackeray’s leadership style, Deputy CM Shinde added, “We are not doing any demolition work; we are doing construction. We are here to unite, not to divide. Some people are only intent on crushing others, but we are here to grow the Shiv Sena. Our agenda is not the Chief Minister’s chair.”

He also criticised the Thackeray-led Sena faction’s tendency to vilify leaders only after they choose to exit his party.

“Some people only value a person as long as they are with them. The moment they leave, they talk down on them. It has become a case of double standards. Instead of abusing those who leave the party, they should engage in self-reflection,” Deputy CM Shinde advised.

He concluded by reiterating that the Shinde-led Sena faction is moving forward solely with a vision of development and bringing transformation to the lives of common citizens.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde also noted a stark coincidence.

“On June 30, 2022, I took the oath as Chief Minister to take Balasaheb (Thackeray)’s ideology forward. Today, on the exact same date, this joining is taking place. We do not believe in breaking down; we believe in building bridges. Our agenda is not the chair, but resolving the issues of the common people.”

Deputy CM Shinde accidentally referred to Sachin Ahir as “Sachin Tendulkar”.

Quick to cover up the gaffe, the Deputy Chief Minister quipped, “He has hit a sixer now, and the Opposition’s wickets will continue to tumble.”

He lauded Ahir’s political pedigree, noting his three-term tenure as an MLA and his background as a leader for mill workers and the Koli community.

“As a true Mumbaikar, Sachin Ahir has always stood for the common worker and a Shiv Sainik. With the MahaYuti alliance holding a clear majority in both Houses, his election as Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairman is assured. He will not only serve Mumbai but the entire state,” he added.

Deputy CM Shinde said, “Sachin Ahir has filed his nomination today as the MahaYuti candidate. The alliance holds a comfortable majority in both Houses, ensuring his election tomorrow. His inclusion will significantly strengthen Shiv Sena in Mumbai, Pune, across Maharashtra, and especially within the labour unions.”

He clarified that Ahir has not quit the Shiv Sena, saying that he had been in the party when elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council in July 2022.

Ahir also claimed that he has not left any party.

–IANS

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