Mumbai, July 11: Opposition leaders, particularly from Shiv Sena-UBT, launched a fierce attack on Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday, labeling him a ‘traitor’ and ‘fugitive.’
This backlash followed Shinde’s accusations against Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray for remaining silent on the alleged embezzlement of donations at Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple. He also defended the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the Ram Temple donation issue just a day prior.
Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena-UBT MP Arvind Sawant referred to Uddhav Thackeray as a devotee of Lord Ram, emphasizing that Thackeray has consistently honored Lord Ramchandra.
Addressing Shinde, he questioned, “If you (Shinde) had such deep faith in Hindutva, why did you remain in power with him for two and a half years? Why did you enjoy power alongside him? Did you only realize this two and a half years later? You are the one who fled out of fear of the ED; you are a coward… a traitor.”
Sawant criticized Shinde for betraying a ‘saint-like’ figure (Thackeray) and questioned whether such a fugitive has the right to speak on Hindutva.
Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut, addressing the media, compared the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust to the Ram Temple, stating that their community has engaged in numerous charitable acts to help the poor and needy. However, he claimed that the trust is now filled with corrupt individuals.
He remarked that Shinde is upset because they are not allowing him to steal from there.
Yashwant Killedar, a leader from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), called for a proper investigation, insisting that the guilty should be punished. He added, “I don’t think the government will take action because the entire system is under their control.”
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