Maha: Shiv Sena-UBT Set to Pursue Defamation Against State Council Deputy Chief
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Synopsis
On February 24, the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit against Neelam Gorhe, a leader in the party. This follows Gorhe's controversial remarks at a recent literary event, which the Shiv Sena claims have damaged its reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Sushama Andhare announced a defamation suit against Neelam Gorhe.
- Gorhe's statement about Mercedes cars sparked outrage.
- The Thackeray faction rebuked Gorhe for her comments.
- Allegations of financial misconduct surfaced during the controversy.
- Defending factions within Shiv Sena are emerging.
Mumbai, Feb 24 (NationPress) The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Sushama Andhare announced on Monday the intention to initiate a defamation lawsuit against Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe for allegedly damaging the reputation of the party and its chief, Uddhav Thackeray.
The controversy erupted following Gorhe's remarks at the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Sammelan, where she claimed that “in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena, no one was appointed to a position without receiving two Mercedes cars. This is a fact.”
Gorhe, who switched allegiance to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, further commented that “when Balasaheb Thackeray was alive, he kept a watch everywhere. After his demise, the Sena began to decline. Upon Uddhav Thackeray's assumption of the Chief Minister role, the Sainiks rejoiced, believing that Balasaheb Thackeray's son had taken charge. However, soon, it became evident that even MLAs were not granted meetings.”
Gorhe's remarks prompted fierce backlash from the Thackeray faction, emphasizing that the party does not value traitors. The party urged Gorhe, who has been nominated for four consecutive terms and served twice as deputy chairperson of the state council, to produce receipts for the eight Mercedes she claimed to have given to Thackeray.
Andhare argued that “Shiv Sena is recognized for its commitment to the underprivileged and for representing the smallest segments of society. Neelam Gorhe's statement was utterly ludicrous, aimed at intentionally defaming the party and its leader. The Shiv Sena, established by Balasaheb Thackeray, possesses a rich and honorable legacy. If Gorhe seeks to curry favor with the ruling Shiv Sena and MahaYuti to secure a Rajya Sabha or ministerial position, she is welcome. However, in doing so, she has attempted to sully the reputation of the party and its leader, which is highly disgraceful.”
Andhare further criticized Gorhe, labeling her as “an inept individual who has been a legislator for four terms but has failed to establish a single party Shakha in her locality, resorting to slander instead.”
Gorhe has yet to respond amid the escalating controversy.
In contrast, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut referred to Gorhe as a “shameless” woman, alleging that as deputy chairperson of the state council, she accepts payments from proposers to include items in the house agenda.
“I am prepared to face a privilege motion as I possess evidence,” he stated.
Raut also asserted that Gorhe claimed to have given the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Mandal ₹50 lakh to secure her place as a speaker at one of the seminars during the literary meet. Furthermore, she allegedly provided a Mercedes to the Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Mandal chief, Usha Tambe.
“I have evidence to substantiate all these claims. Even Sharad Pawar cannot evade responsibility for the political mudslinging that occurred at the Sahitya Sammelan; he is the overseer and equally accountable for the political defamation that unfolded. Pawar Saheb should publicly denounce this,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat defended Gorhe, cautioning the Thackeray faction that he would expose the party regarding the financial transactions involved in nominations.
