Mumbai, Aug 11 (NationPress) The BJP on Monday delivered a stinging rebuke to Shiv Sena (UBT) over its protest calling for the ousting of disgraced ministers from the BJP-led MahaYuti government in Maharashtra.

Revenue Minister and former state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule aimed his criticism at Uddhav Thackeray, asserting, "Who is the leader of extortionists? The public knows. In the recent Assembly elections, the people of Maharashtra have unmistakably indicated who is the 'Chief Minister' and who is the 'Thief Minister.'"

"Is Waze some form of Osama Bin Laden? The public has not forgotten that under your leadership, a massive extortion racket involving hundreds of crores was operating with gelatin being placed outside the homes of industrialists," he continued.

"Before you criticize the esteemed Devendra ji, remember your own history and think twice before you speak,” Bawankule added in a post on X.

“Furthermore, Maharashtra has witnessed your true stature while being relegated to the last row of the INDIA alliance. Today, you opted out of the protests in Delhi likely because you would be positioned at the back, instead staging a protest here with minimal support. During Rahul Gandhi's protest, you sought attention by setting up your own isolated stove.

"Uddhav ji, during your tenure as Chief Minister, you stifled both democracy and ethics. Before accusing an honest leader like Devendra, take a long, hard look at your reflection. Devendra Fadnavis’ aim is not just a corruption-free Maharashtra but also a stable, development-focused, and transparent administration. The citizens of Maharashtra have unwavering faith in CM Devendra's leadership. They are weary of you,” Bawankule asserted.

Conversely, BJP legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar criticized Thackeray, claiming that Mumbai residents are mocking him for his protest, especially considering the numerous corruption allegations during the Shiv Sena's tenure in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, including issues related to the Mithi river cleanup and 'khichadi' distribution amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

“During your two-and-a-half years as chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray never visited Mantralaya but instead governed from home. Now you are protesting against corruption. Explain to the public why you didn’t step foot in Mantralaya during your time in office.

"The current chief minister (Devendra Fadnavis) enacted the Lok Ayukta legislation to hold the chief minister accountable, yet you and your party opposed it. Why did you resist that provision? Those who have plundered the BMC for 15 years are now protesting against corruption. The citizens of Mumbai find this laughable,” he concluded.