Shiv Sena ministers have responded sharply to BJP leader Ganesh Naik’s remark suggesting the party could “finish off” Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, calling it unacceptable. Leaders warned of a strong response while highlighting the historic rivalry and recent municipal polls that have strained relations between allies
Ganesh Naik speaks at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the construction of shops in the trader complex at Palghar East on Monday. Pic/X
Shiv Sena ministers have warned of a strong and befitting reply after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik’s remark about “finishing off their existence”, allegedly aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, triggered a sharp political exchange between the ruling allies, news agency PTI reported.
Naik made the comment on Sunday, stating that if the BJP allowed, “we can finish off their existence”, an apparent reference to his long-time rival Shinde. The remark has revived tensions between the two parties, which have a history of rivalry despite being part of the Mahayuti alliance.
Reacting to the statement, Shiv Sena leader and Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat said the BJP owes its current position in power to Shinde’s revolt against the undivided Shiv Sena in 2022.
“Who is talking about finishing off (Shinde)? He is not Navi Mumbai’s hills or sand to get finished. We are the ones to stand with courage. Shinde cannot be underestimated,” Shirsat told reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
He further stressed that the Shiv Sena alone cannot be forced to follow the “Mahayuti dharma”.
“The BJP is in power today because of our sacrifice. We will not tolerate being asked to follow Mahayuti dharma on one hand, while BJP leaders make such statements on the other. This cannot be tolerated. I will speak to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,” he added.
Shiv Sena leaders assert Deputy CM Eknath Shinde can counter Ganesh Naik
Shirsat also addressed Naik directly, warning, “If you challenge us, we will accept it.”
Echoing the sentiment, Shiv Sena leader and Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai, a close confidant of Shinde, said the party was equally capable of responding, PTI reported.
“If our party permits, our stand will be the same. When their party takes a stand, we will also give a befitting reply,” Desai said in Satara.
Transport Minister and Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik also emphasised that Shinde himself is capable of responding to Naik’s remarks.
Naik, a former guardian minister of the undivided Thane district, and Shinde have been long-time rivals. Navi Mumbai has traditionally been a stronghold of Naik, who controlled the civic body for more than two-and-a-half decades. Currently, Naik serves as the guardian minister of Palghar district, carved out of Thane, which remains Shinde’s political base.
Recently, Shiv Sena and BJP contested the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Elections separately after seat-sharing talks failed. While both parties have contested as allies in several civic elections in the past, their rivalry has been evident on the ground, with some civic bodies witnessing bitter contests despite the alliance at the state level.
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
