THANE: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde launched a scathing attack on his opponents (Uddhav Thackeray camp), pointing out how they exposed their crab mentality by criticising and raising questions on the integrity of NCP-SP leader Sharad Pawar, who agreed to felicitate him on a non-political platform recently.
It may be recalled that Pawar agreed to felicitate Shinde at an event held in honour and memory of the legendary Maratha statesman Mahadji Shinde last week in the capital.
The event was focused on remembering the contributions and legacy of Mahadji Shinde, a revered figure in Maratha history, and Shinde’s presence there was meant to honor that tradition.
This gesture was seen as an opportunity to bridge political divides and foster relationships beyond politics. Even as the senior Maratha political leader apparently accepted the invite as a ‘beyond political’ relationship-building initiative, it didn’t go well with UBT leaders, who openly criticised his presence on the dais.
The Thackeray camp, instead of embracing the gesture, chose to attack it, which Shinde pointed out as indicative of a narrow-minded mentality. “Instead of lauding us, they criticised us, revealing their crab mentality… It seems their hatred towards me didn’t make them realise that they were also indirectly insulting the stalwarts, including litterateurs and organisers of the event and Mahadji Shinde… It is unfortunate they (UBT) raised questions on the integrity of Pawar Saheb, who is not just a mature and seasoned politician but was also instrumental in anointing them (Uddhav) as the chief minister during the MVA regime… If you dislike me, why force others to follow suit,” Shinde said.
This statement underlined the irony of the situation, where the criticism of Shinde indirectly affected the legacy of Mahadji Shinde and respected figures in the event. Shinde further elaborated on how the Uddhav camp also attempted to suppress him when he was part of the undivided Shiv Sena.
His words reflect a deeper frustration over the continued hostility and attempts to discredit him by his former allies.
Subtly targeting MP Sanjay Raut and referring to one of his previous interviews, Shinde said, “They (Uddhav) have tremendous anxiety, and only a Doctor (Shinde) can cure it, not any compounder… One has to nurture a broader mind, and instead of complaining or criticising, they should introspect why they are being deserted.”
This was a clear call for self-reflection and a recognition of shifting political allegiances.
