Shinde Critiques Rahul and Uddhav's Absence from Maha Kumbh Mela
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticizes Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray for their absence during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, questioning their Hindu identity. He also comments on their political standing and the ongoing Operation Tiger aimed at welcoming dissenters from Shiv Sena UBT.
Key Takeaways
- Eknath Shinde questions the Hindu identity of Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray.
- Over 65 crore people participated in the Maha Kumbh Mela.
- Operation Tiger aims to attract dissenters to Shiv Sena.
- Shinde predicts losses for Shiv Sena UBT in upcoming elections.
- Criticism of Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray comes from multiple fronts.
Mumbai, Feb 27 (NationPress) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday took a jab at Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray for not participating in the sacred bathing ritual during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
“Both Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray claim to be Hindus. If that is true, then why did they not go to take a holy dip in the Kumbh Mela? There is a clear disparity between what they say and how they act. Over 65 crore devotees took part in the holy bathing,” stated Shinde, who, along with other party ministers and leaders, visited Prayagraj on Monday after facing criticism from Shiv Dena UBT in its official mouthpiece regarding alleged misconduct during his tenure as chief minister.
Shinde's remarks came in the wake of Union Minister Giriraj Singh's criticism of both leaders.
“Uddhav Thackeray is backing Rahul Gandhi, who is against and protesting the legacy of Veer Savarkar. Both are politicians who seem to have lost their way,” he added.
Previously, former MLA from Hatkanangle constituency of Shiv Sena UBT, Sujit Minchekar, and MNS's Hatkanangle district chief Gajanan Jadhav joined Shiv Sena in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The Shinde camp has initiated Operation Tiger, welcoming disgruntled leaders and members from Shiv Sena UBT and other parties.
Shinde further targeted Uddhav Thackeray, stating that ‘you cannot transform into a wolf just by donning a tiger’s skin.’
“Some individuals appear to have lost their mental balance. They are now making threats of violence. But those resembling Asrani from the film Sholay should refrain from making such comments. One needs strength to challenge,” he remarked.
He concluded by stating that Shiv Sena UBT suffered defeats in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, and they are likely to face losses in the approaching local body elections as well.
