Shinde, who leads the Shiv Sena, travelled from his native village of Dare in Satara district to Thane—his long-time political base—to offer floral tributes to his mentor
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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday paid homage to late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighe on the occasion of his 75th birth anniversary, joining residents and party workers across Thane in commemorating the revered figure popularly called “Dharmaveer.”
Shinde, who leads the Shiv Sena, travelled from his native village of Dare in Satara district to Thane—his long-time political base—to offer floral tributes to his mentor. Along with local functionaries, he visited Shaktisthal and Anand Ashram, two memorial sites closely linked with Dighe’s life and work, recalling the influence Dighe had on his own political journey.
Parallel events were held by the Shiv Sena (UBT), with the party’s district unit hosting a large public programme at Tembhi Naka. Former MP Rajan Vichare and district chief Kedar Dighe led party workers in raising slogans celebrating Dighe’s legacy, underscoring their commitment to his principles of loyalty and grassroots service.
To mark the milestone in a people-centric manner, 75 auto-rickshaws offered free rides across Thane between 10 am and 6 pm, symbolising each year of Dighe’s life and his enduring bond with ordinary citizens.
More than two decades after his death in 2001, Anand Dighe continues to command deep respect in Thane, remaining a lasting presence in the city’s political and social consciousness.
Shiv Sena MP asks BJP to restrain minister Naik, says his remarks damaging coalition unity
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske has appealed to the BJP leadership to rein in the party leader and minister Ganesh Naik, noting that his remarks targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde can potentially damage the coalition unity, reported news agency PTI.
A day before, Shiv Sena ministers had warned of a befitting reply after Naik's "we can finish off their existence if BJP allows" remark, allegedly aimed at Shinde, sparked a sharp exchange between the ruling allies.
Mhaske has written to Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan, asserting that the Shiv Sena was prepared to respond to every political challenge, reported PTI.
He alleged Naik had been venting his frustration and appealed to the BJP leadership to review Naik's statements and actions before assigning him further responsibilities.
The Thane MP stated that Naik had publicly declared his intention to "eliminate" the Shiv Sena from Navi Mumbai and had challenged Shinde on several occasions, reported PTI.
Referring to Naik's latest remarks, Mhaske said such statements reflected distrust towards a key constituent of the ruling alliance.
He pointed out that the BJP and the Shiv Sena jointly fought and won elections in several civic bodies, including Kalyan Dombivli, Thane, and Mumbai. "However, such comments are damaging the coalition unity", reported PTI.
Mhaske recalled that both the BJP and the Shiv Sena had played a crucial role in toppling the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and forming the ruling Mahayuti alliance, reported PTI.
He said, despite ideological differences, the alliance had provided a stable government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Shinde.
Naik, a former guardian minister of the undivided Thane district, and Shinde are old rivals.
(With inputs from PTI)
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