Mumbai, Jan 23 (NationPress) The chief leader of Shiv Sena and Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a pointed attack on the Shiv Sena-UBT Chief and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of being penalized by Mumbaikars for a long history of mismanagement in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and for relying on emotional politics.

In a fiery address at a press conference, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde attributed the municipal election losses of Shiv Sena-UBT to 25 years of governance marred by potholes, pollution, and rampant corruption.

Shinde asserted that the Mahayuti alliance is unwavering and committed to appointing Mayors in key cities like Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and Ulhasnagar.

He pointed out that despite holding power in the BMC for over two decades, and leading the state for two-and-a-half years since 2019, the UBT faction consistently hindered essential infrastructure projects.

"They (Shiv Sena-UBT) have mired Mumbaikars in potholes for 25 years while engaging in corruption, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the Mahayuti government took charge in 2022, we have cleared all obstacles and initiated crucial projects such as seven sewage treatment plants," he stated.

In discussing the political dynamics in Thane, Deputy CM Shinde emphasized that the district, a bastion of the late Dharmaveer Anand Dighe, will continue to uphold the 'Saffron' (Shiv Sena-BJP) ideology.

He issued a clear warning to the Opposition, reminding them that Mumbra is indeed part of Thane district.

Addressing the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) support in Kalyan-Dombivli, Shinde noted that MNS has backed Shiv Sena specifically for the region's development.

"The MNS previously allied with Mahayuti during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Shiv Sena and BJP will contest the local elections together and govern as a united front," he elaborated.

"Aside from a few municipal corporations, the Mahayuti alliance is set to elect its Mayors in most regions across the state," Deputy CM Shinde projected.

He reiterated that his party embodies the true principles of Balasaheb Thackeray.

Shinde criticized the 2019 decision of the Shiv Sena-UBT faction to establish a government against the public mandate by fracturing the longstanding Shiv Sena-BJP alliance—a partnership that has roots dating back to Balasaheb Thackeray, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and L.K. Advani, and continues under PM Narendra Modi.

He humorously remarked that the Opposition is so "obsessed" with him that they envision him in their dreams.

In contrasting the two political factions, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde stated that while the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance is grounded in development, the Opposition's coalition is focused on "pushing others into pits."

"Our agenda is not about seizing power or the Chief Minister's position; it revolves around serving the people. This is why the citizens of Mumbai have placed their faith in us," he concluded.

Touching on recent social issues, he referred to the Badlapur incident, deeming it "unfortunate" and assured that the harshest penalties would be imposed on the perpetrator.

He was referencing a case involving a 37-year-old school van driver accused of molesting a four-year-old girl in Badlapur.

Shinde stated that the police have apprehended the suspect and called for severe punishment.