Thackeray Criticizes Shinde: Betrayal Leaves Permanent Mark
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Synopsis
Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena UBT chief, criticized Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asserting that despite attempts to redeem himself, the betrayal will eternally linger. This remark came after Shinde's visit to the Kumbh Mela, highlighting the ongoing political tensions in Maharashtra.
Key Takeaways
- Thackeray's pointed remarks about Shinde's actions.
- Commentary on the significance of Marathi language.
- Concerns over the influence of the central government on Maharashtra.
- Reflection on the cultural contributions of Marathi theatre.
- Political tensions amidst religious practices.
Mumbai, Feb 27 (NationPress) Shiv Sena UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday criticized the Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, stating that ‘no matter how many dips you take, the mark of betrayal will remain forever’.
His remarks were in response to Shinde and his party's ministers taking a sacred dip in the Ganga during the Kumbh Mela on Monday. Thackeray spoke at an event commemorating Marathi Bhasha Divas.
In a sharp jab at Shinde, Thackeray stated: “I came from a bath in Ganga and took 50 khoke and then took a holy dip there. What is the use of such dip? Commit a treachery against Maharashtra and go there to take a dip. No matter how many dips you take, the mark of betrayal will remain forever.”
Thackeray's comments came shortly after Shinde questioned his absence from the Maha Kumbh Mela, despite Thackeray portraying himself as a practicing Hindu.
He escalated his attacks on Shinde by saying that those who travel to Dubai to watch the cricket match between India and Pakistan are expressing Balasaheb Thackeray's sentiments.
“Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra. The Marathi theatre in this capital has made a significant contribution. The plays that were necessary at that time were brought and society was educated on what needed to be done. People who go to Dubai and watch cricket matches are telling us about Balasaheb's thoughts. No matter where the India-Pakistan match is, they will go and watch the match,” he commented.
“Why don't you go to your village and sit there because you didn't get a ministerial post?” he questioned.
He cautioned Shinde that they would not permit outsiders into the state.
Thackeray reminisced about how, during his tenure as Chief Minister, he mandated that the Marathi language be made compulsory in the state.
“We will speak Marathi in Maharashtra. I introduced this law stating that Marathi boards must be displayed in shops. But how could anyone challenge the government's decision in court? We are Hindus, but we are also Marathi. I am not against the Gujarati community. However, they (the central government) aim to undermine Marathi and Maharashtra. They intend to dismantle Mumbai and relocate industries,” he alleged.
“There is no lack in our language. Consider the immense effort that was invested in granting Marathi the status of a classical language. Who are you (the central government) to confer the status of a classical language? The language of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was Marathi. If it weren't for him, you wouldn't have seen Delhi,” he taunted.
