14 July,2026 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde addresses a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday. PIC/X
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction for announcing its support to activist Sonam Wangchuk's protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, accusing it of attempting to create instability in the country, news agency IANS reported.
Addressing a press conference, Shinde spoke on a range of issues, including Hindutva, the Ram Temple, Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, opposition politics, the NDA alliance, paper leak cases, and administrative action in Maharashtra.
Describing the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction's approach as "tails on fire, but rushing to put out mountain blazes", Shinde alleged that while the party lacks the courage to take to the streets, it seeks political mileage with a "You fight, we will hold your coats" attitude.
Criticising the UBT faction for backing Wangchuk's movement, Shinde said its support had come too late. He alleged that the party has a habit of extending support to every protest against the government without participating in the agitation itself, choosing instead to remain at home.
The deputy chief minister also accused the Opposition of trying to create fear by comparing India with countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
He said the economies of those countries had collapsed, threatening the survival of their citizens, whereas India's situation was entirely different.
According to Shinde, India is rapidly progressing towards becoming an economic superpower under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the Modi government has provided free foodgrains to 80 crore people and lifted 32 crore citizens out of poverty.
He added that comparing India with Sri Lanka or Bangladesh amounted to political opportunism.
Targeting Thackeray, Shinde said those who once opposed the Hanuman Chalisa are now reciting the Ram Raksha. Defending Hindutva, he alleged that Uddhav Thackeray abandoned the core principles of late Balasaheb Thackeray, leading to the end of his brand of Hindutva.
He also questioned the UBT faction's alliance with political parties that describe Veer Savarkar as a "helper of the British", alleging that it was done solely to remain in power.
Shinde further remarked that those who jailed people for chanting the Hanuman Chalisa are now reciting the Ram Raksha.
"They have finally realised that those who do not stand with Ram are of no use, but the public sees through this," he said.
The deputy chief minister credited Prime Minister Modi with fulfilling Balasaheb Thackeray's aspirations by constructing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
On the NDA alliance, Shinde said it was formed on the basis of ideology rather than the pursuit of power or ministerial positions.
"Our alliance is not born out of a hunger for power or ministerial berths, but is a purely ideological alliance. We have come together on a shared vision to strengthen the nation. We have never bargained, nor will we ever do so," he stated, dismissing speculation about internal differences.
Responding to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's criticism over paper leak cases, Shinde referred to the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government's tenure, alleging that the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), Common Entrance Test (CET), and Health Department recruitment examinations had witnessed leaks on three separate occasions.
He said Maharashtra Police had foiled a conspiracy to leak TET examination papers and arrested those involved.
He added that those responsible for jeopardising the future of young people should face stringent laws under which bail is not easily granted.
Shinde said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was conducting a thorough probe and assured that no accused would be spared.
On local governance, he said he had personally directed the Thane Municipal Commissioner to remove all illegal banners immediately.
He instructed officials not to spare anyone, refrain from shielding violators and ensure strict action in accordance with the law.
Concluding his remarks, Shinde alleged that the Opposition had run out of genuine public issues and was now attempting to instigate protests, provoke citizens, and project itself as the protector of Hindutva.
He claimed that the politically aware people of Maharashtra would reject such attempts.
(With IANS inputs)
