23 June,2026 01:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday intensified its attack on the ruling Mahayuti alliance, accusing the Maharashtra government of focusing on political defections while ignoring pressing issues such as farm distress, water scarcity, unemployment and rising public hardship.
In a strongly worded editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde following the defection of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena under what has been popularly referred to as "Operation Tiger".
The editorial alleged that the government was celebrating political gains at a time when Maharashtra was facing multiple challenges requiring urgent attention.
Referring to the recent crossover of six Lok Sabha MPs, the editorial claimed the ruling alliance was treating the defections as a political achievement instead of addressing public concerns.
"Instead of addressing the burning issues plaguing Maharashtra, Fadnavis chose to gloat over the defection of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, declaring that the operation âtreachery' was successful and the patient is doing well," the editorial said.
According to the party, political celebrations were misplaced when issues such as agriculture, employment and water shortages continued to affect large sections of the population.
The editorial also criticised what it described as the growing acceptance of political defections in the state's political culture.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that significant financial resources were being used to engineer political defections while ordinary citizens continued to face economic difficulties.
"Now that Shinde has given birth to six traitors and Amit Shah is distributing sweets in Delhi, the Chief Minister must declare who the real parents of these defectors are," the editorial asked.
The party further alleged that funds appeared readily available for political operations but not for addressing the concerns of farmers and other vulnerable groups.
The editorial argued that elected representatives had become commodities in political transactions while citizens struggling with economic hardship remained neglected.
The editorial also highlighted issues related to agriculture and rural distress.
According to the party, delayed monsoon rains have created concerns about water availability in several parts of Maharashtra, particularly in drought-prone regions.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed that farmers continue to face uncertainty over crop prices, debt burdens and access to adequate government support.
The editorial questioned the government's approach towards agrarian issues, particularly after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently stated that farm loan waivers are not a permanent solution to agricultural distress.
It argued that farmers require stronger support through remunerative prices and improved crop insurance mechanisms.
The party also targeted the government over unemployment, law and order, and the implementation of welfare programmes.
The editorial alleged that several regions, including Vidarbha and Marathwada, continue to face serious developmental challenges.
It further claimed that benefits under the government's flagship welfare initiatives had not reached all intended beneficiaries and questioned the administration's commitment to social welfare.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) also referred to the ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination, alleging that the issue had adversely affected students and their families.
The editorial additionally expressed concern over the absence of a Leader of the Opposition in both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature.
According to the party, the continued vacancy has weakened the Opposition's ability to scrutinise government decisions and raise public-interest issues effectively.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that delays in filling the position were affecting democratic functioning and limiting legislative accountability.
The criticism comes amid an ongoing political battle between the Mahayuti alliance and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, which has intensified following the defection of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs and the BJP's growing influence in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
As the monsoon session progresses, issues relating to farmers, inflation, political defections and governance are expected to dominate discussions inside and outside the legislature.
(With inputs from IANS)
