Eknath Shinde denounces the INDIA Bloc Rally at Mumbai’s historic Shivaji Park, calling it a “Black Day For Shiv Sena.”
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde voiced his dissatisfaction with the location selection for the INDIA bloc’s Sunday protest, which culminated Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, in Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Dismayed, Shinde emphasized the location’s historical importance, since Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray often used it to address large crowds.
“Today is a solemn day for the Shiv Sena because Balasaheb Thackeray addressed the nation from Shivaji Park. The INDIA rally is now taking place at the same location. Those who have falsely accused Veer Savarkar and used derogatory language against him are assembling in Shivaji Park today. Shinde told reporters in Mumbai on Sunday, “This is regrettable.
Shinde questioned the Congress party’s hesitation to publicly embrace Hindu identity and criticized it, accusing it of being anti-Hindu. According to Shinde, “How can we say that we are proud Hindus when some people even fear saying the words Hindu Hriday Samrat these days?”
Furthermore, he made an oblique attack on Uddhav Thackeray, a former comrade, alleging that he had compromised Balasaheb Thackeray’s beliefs for political gain.
“In the upcoming elections, people will teach a lesson to those who sacrificed the vision and ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray just for the sake of power.”
In addition, Sena (UBT) MLC Aamshya Padavi joined the Shiv Sena in front of Chief Minister Shinde, delivering a further blow to Uddhav Thackeray and the INDIA bloc.
“Today, MLC Aamshya Padavi and his supporters joined the Shiv Sena, which upholds and advances the philosophy of Balasaheb. Everyone in this place supports the ideologies of Balasaheb, while some are against him over in Shivaji Park. Thus, it’s a bad day—a dark day—today, CM Shinde said.
Former Sena (UBT) MLC Padavi said, “I used to be in Shiv Sena (UBT), but I am still in the Shiv Sena (under Eknath Shinde)” after joining the group in Shinde’s presence. My supporters advised me to support the constituency and side with the administration. I’ve never been at ease in the Congress.”
Concurrently, the INDIA group launched its election campaign from the famous Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where notable opposition leaders criticized the BJP-led Centre. Alongside other prominent opposition figures, leaders like MK Stalin, Mallikarjun Kharge, Uddhav Thackeray, Mehbooba Mufti, and Farooq Abdullah rallied.
