Mumbai, July 14, 2026
In a scathing attack, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde on Tuesday took a sharp dig at the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction for announcing its support to Sonam Wangchuk’s protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, accusing them of trying to orchestrate instability across the country.
Shinde, during the press conference, touched upon a wide array of topics, including Hindutva, the Ram Temple, Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, opposition politics, the NDA alliance, paper leaks, and regional administrative actions.
Describing UBT’s state as “Tails on fire, but rushing to put out mountain blazes,” Shinde remarked that while the UBT faction lacks the courage to hit the streets, they are attempting to milk political mileage with a “You fight, we will hold your coats” attitude.
Lashing out at the UBT faction’s support of Wangchuk’s movement, Shinde remarked that this is wisdom coming too late. He said they have a habit of supporting any protest that rises against the government, yet they never step onto the streets to lead, only extending support from the comfort of their homes.
Shinde further accused the opposition of trying to create a climate of fear by drawing parallels between India and crisis-hit nations like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
He asserted that the economic systems in those countries had collapsed completely, threatening basic survival, while India’s reality is entirely different.
He said under PM Modi, India is marching rapidly toward becoming an economic superpower. The Modi government has provided free food grains to 80 crore citizens and lifted 32 crore people out of poverty.
He added that comparing India to Sri Lanka or Bangladesh is nothing but sheer political opportunism.
Shinde further aimed at Thackeray, saying that those who opposed Hanuman Chalisa now chant Ram Raksha. He did not hold back on the ideological front, mounting a fierce defence of Hindutva.
He alleged that the day Thackeray abandoned the core values of late Balasaheb Thackeray, his brand of Hindutva met its end.
He pointed out the irony of the UBT faction aligning with political forces that label Veer Savarkar a “helper of the British” just to stay in power.
He remarked that those who threw people into jail for chanting the Hanuman Chalisa are now reciting the Ram Raksha. They have finally realised that those who do not stand with Ram are of no use, but the public sees through this.
Shinde credited PM Modi for fulfilling Balasaheb Thackeray’s dreams by constructing the Ram Temple and abridging Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He also clarified key administrative and alliance positions during his press conference.
He stated that their alliance is not born out of a hunger for power or ministerial berths, but is a purely ideological alliance. They have come together on a shared vision to strengthen the nation, and they have never bargained, nor will they ever do so, brushing off rumours regarding internal rifts.
Responding to Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s criticism on paper leaks, Shinde pointed out the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s record, where TET, CET, and health department recruitment exams faced leaks on three separate occasions.
He said in Maharashtra, the police swiftly foiled a conspiracy to leak the TET papers and arrested the accused.
He said those playing with the future of the youth should face stringent laws where bail is not easily granted.
He added that an SIT is investigating the matter thoroughly, and no culprit will be spared.
Taking a firm stand on local governance, Shinde shared that he has personally directed the Municipal Commissioner of Thane to pull down all illegal banners immediately.
He instructed the administration not to spare anyone and to not operate outside the law or shield violators, and to take strict action to ensure order.
He concluded by stating that the opposition has run out of constructive issues to present before the public. As a result, they are resorting to instigating protests, inciting citizens, and masquerading under the guise of Hindutva; efforts, he claimed, the politically conscious public of Maharashtra will easily reject.(Agency)
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