Political Tensions Resurface as Uddhav Thackeray Bids Farewell in Maharashtra Council

Farewell Ceremony Sparks Political Jabs

Mumbai: In a recent session of the Maharashtra legislative council, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde exchanged barbs during Thackeray's farewell as his term concluded.

The farewell also honored several other members, including Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe from Shiv Sena, Amol Mitkari and Shashikant Shinde from NCP, Rajesh Rathod from Congress, and BJP members Dadarao Keche, Sanjay Kanekar, Ranjeet Sinh Mohite-Patil, and Sandeep Joshi.

Shinde kicked off the farewell proceedings, addressing Thackeray as 'Uddhav saheb Thackeray'. Despite their past alliance, both leaders have refrained from directly naming each other while trading criticisms since their split in June 2022.

Shinde remarked, 'There are no full-stops in politics,' while extending his best wishes to Thackeray.

However, he made a pointed comment about Gorhe, emphasizing her humble beginnings, contrasting her with Thackeray, who succeeded his father, Bal Thackeray, as party leader.

Both Shinde and Gorhe have previously served under Bal Thackeray's leadership.

During his address, Uddhav Thackeray referenced the case of Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman arrested for sexual assault under the guise of performing rituals.

'Bulls are being slaughtered for selfish reasons,' he stated cryptically.

Shinde, who ascended to the chief minister position in 2022 after displacing Thackeray's government, had previously visited a temple established by Kharat in Nashik, with their photos circulating widely following Kharat's arrest.

Leaders from Sena (UBT) have previously accused Shinde and his faction's MLAs of participating in bull sacrifices during a visit to Assam after the Shiv Sena split in 2022.