Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed gratitude towards Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray for extending unconditional support to the ruling 'Mahayuti' alliance comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, and endorsing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While addressing the media at Nagpur airport, Shinde took a veiled swipe at his political opponent and former CM Uddhav Thackeray, without explicitly mentioning his name. He remarked that those merely counting 'rokad' (money) from the comfort of their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic have no grounds to criticize Modi.
Shinde acknowledged Raj Thackeray's support for the 'Mahayuti' alliance during his party's annual rally in Mumbai on Gudi Padwa, a festival symbolizing fresh beginnings and auspiciousness in Maharashtra.
Responding to queries about offering Lok Sabha seats to MNS, Shinde clarified that the Raj Thackeray-led party hadn't set any conditions for supporting the three-party alliance. He emphasized that MNS's backing was solely based on their support for PM Modi's leadership and development agenda.
In a counter to Uddhav Thackeray's recent remark referring to his ruling party as 'Chinese Sena', Shinde defended his party's legacy. He asserted that their Shiv Sena is rooted in the ideology of its founder, Balasaheb Thackeray.
Shinde challenged those diverging from Balasaheb's ideology and disrespecting Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar to reconsider their criticisms. He reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the principles of Shiv Sena.
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