05 January,2026 10:53 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut claimed that Thane was allegedly witnessing a serious moral and social decline. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday alleged that Thane, once known for its cultural legacy, has turned into a 'narcotics hub', reported the PTI.
He made the remarks while addressing a press conference in Thane after the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance released its manifesto for the civic polls scheduled for January 15.
Raut claimed the city is witnessing a serious moral and social decline, with the drug menace destroying entire generations.
"Thane, once celebrated for its rich culture, is now infamous for widespread drug trafficking. Drugs are being sold openly near schools and colleges," Raut alleged, according to the PTI.
He questioned who was protecting such networks and accused the police and state leadership of remaining silent on the issue.
He further claimed that drug links extend "right up to Satara", referring to the recent Rs 115-crore mephedrone seizure in the city, which has triggered a political controversy.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi has repeatedly alleged that individuals linked to the Satara drug bust have connections with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP. However, the ruling parties have strongly denied and dismissed these claims, as per the PTI.
Referring to the upcoming civic elections, Raut said the polls provide citizens an opportunity to "wipe off the gaddar (traitor) tag" and reclaim the political legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Since the party split in June 2022, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has consistently labelled Eknath Shinde and other rebel leaders as "gaddars". Raut alleged that the Shinde faction represents a 'duplicate Shiv Sena' that has replaced "Marathi power" with money power.
Raut accused the ruling dispensation of misusing police machinery to intimidate political rivals and achieve electoral gains. He claimed that the public would respond strongly if such pressure tactics were removed, even briefly.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Rajan Vichare, who was present at the press conference, alleged that Rs 3,500 crore earmarked for Thane's development exists only on paper. He said the city continues to struggle with water shortages and traffic congestion.
He added that the proposed Dharmaveer Anand Dighe memorial remains incomplete and that key infrastructure projects, including the metro rail, are progressing at a very slow pace.
Leaders, including MNS's Avinash Jadhav, also criticised the election of several Mahayuti candidates unopposed in the civic polls, calling it the "biggest scam" and a serious threat to democracy, as per the PTI.
The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance appealed to voters to reject what they described as 'drug patronage and builder-driven development' and to restore Thane's original identity.
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(with PTI inputs)
