Mumbai, May 2: The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) sharply criticized the current political landscape in Maharashtra on Saturday. The party prominently raised the issue of former MLA and minister Bachchu Kadu’s “living samadhi” (voluntary renunciation).
The party described Kadu’s recent alignment with the Eknath Shinde faction as a dramatic example of political opportunism disguised as social service. In an editorial published in their mouthpiece, ‘Saamana’, the Thackeray faction noted that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his supporters, and Bachchu Kadu attended the symbolic “samadhi ceremony.” Following this event, Kadu was nominated by Shinde to the Legislative Council. After losing his assembly seat, Kadu appeared relieved to secure his political future with this appointment.
The editorial reflects Kadu’s journey from a social activist to a professional politician. Initially affiliated with Shiv Sena, he left the party when he was denied a ticket to contest elections and ran as an independent candidate. Later, he served as a minister in Uddhav Thackeray’s cabinet but switched sides during the rebellion, engaging in political activities in Surat, Guwahati, and Goa. After failing to secure a ministerial position in the new government, he began opposing again, but ultimately joined the Shinde faction when his legislative seat was at risk.
The editorial highlighted the contradictions in Kadu’s recent actions. Just days before joining, he publicly stated, “We are not so weak that we would align with Shinde just for a legislative seat.” The editorial also mentioned that Kadu has now become a “Shinde resident.” It pointed out an ongoing conflict between Kadu and Ravi Rana in Amravati, suggesting that this struggle is a way to confuse the public. When the BJP supported independent candidate Ravi Rana’s nomination in the state assembly elections, Kadu criticized it as a necessity.
The editorial questioned how Kadu’s recent moves should be interpreted. It stated that Kadu’s “samadhi” is a form of pretense and a clear example of the declining state of politics.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena believes that the BJP plans to contest future elections independently. They argue that the role of allied parties supporting the BJP is diminishing, and the party may sideline them moving forward. Shiv Sena also claims that political equations regarding Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde’s factions could change, leaving uncertainty about their legislators’ futures.
The editorial noted that as Shinde’s influence wanes, leaders like Kadu might shift their allegiance to the BJP. It also suggested that Kadu might attempt to stay aligned with the BJP by praising Chief Minister Fadnavis and Prime Minister Modi under the guise of advocating for the rights of the disabled.
According to the editorial, Kadu’s “samadhi” is a facade that reflects the declining standards of politics. It also claimed that while Kadu is trying to secure his political future through the Legislative Council, the conditions of the farmers, widows, and disabled individuals he claims to represent remain unchanged and neglected.
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