Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrives at the venue. In 2022, Shinde led a rebellion within the Shiv Sena, resulting in the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Backed by the BJP, he went on to become Chief Minister till 2024. The rebellion led to a split in the party, with several lawmakers and legislators joining Shinde

During his speech on Thursday, Shinde also taunted Thackeray, stating that the latter was eager to have an alliance with the Raj Thackeray-headed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls

Shinde's grandson, Rudransh, at the function

The Deputy CM said the ruling Shiv Sena functioned on the ideology of party founder Bal Thackeray, while the other side (Thackeray faction) was desperate for power

He also stated that the Sena (UBT) did not even get one third of the votes polled by his Shiv Sena in the 2024 assembly polls

"Self-confidence has give us success, while ego has led to their destruction. Balasaheb opposed Congress, but those desperate for power aligned with that party. Sena (UBT) has betrayed Marathi people, Shiv Sena voters and Hindutva,' he alleged.

Shinde said he has never seen a "betrayer' like Uddhav Thackeray, who changes colours very easily like a chameleon as he wants only money. "Those who are helpless for power cannot be Balasaheb's heirs," he said

He also praised his son and Lok Sabha member Shrikant Shinde and Rajya Sabha member Milind Deora for being part of the all-party delegation after Operation Sindoor

A large number of women members and supporters of the party were present at the event. Addressing them, Shinde said just like the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, the party has launched a 'Ladki Soon (daughter-in-law)' scheme and it will fight for women facing domestic abuse

An image of Shinde's late mentor Anand Dighe is displayed on a screen at the event