Maha CM Shinde Claims MVA Govt Planned To Arrest Fadnavis, Speaks Out On Uddhav-Raj Thackeray Rift

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde alleges a conspiracy by the MVA government to arrest him and Devendra Fadnavis. He criticises Uddhav Thackeray's leadership, alleging neglect of Raj Thackeray.

Headline: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Accuses MVA of Conspiracy, Criticises Shiv Sena Leadership

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has accused the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government of plotting to arrest him and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a bid to weaken the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In an exclusive interview with news agency ANI, Shinde alleged that the MVA, led by Uddhav Thackeray and then Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, had orchestrated a plan to arrest both Fadnavis and himself.

Shinde remarked, “This is what I feel sad about. They had planned everything. I had objected when they said they would arrest Devendra Fadnavis, which could have put the BJP on the backfoot and potentially led to their MLAs joining the Maha Vikas Aghadi. When I raised concerns, they dismissed it, saying it was all right because they had troubled us and intended to continue doing so. They even planned to implicate me in a case related to urban land selling. I had suspicions about this from some officers, but it was only when I became Chief Minister that I learned the full extent of their plans.”

In the same interview, Shinde expressed criticism towards Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that Thackeray sidelined Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. Shinde noted, “Sometimes I say, in my speech, when Uddhav ji mentioned 'Laadli bhen', he should have asked when 'Laadla bhai' would come. I brought Raj Thackeray for youth training, but why did Uddhav ji let him leave the party? Raj Thackeray worked closely with Balasaheb Thackeray and attended all the 1995 election meetings. Yet, when it came to assigning responsibilities, Uddhav ji’s intentions changed.”

“Raj Thackeray was willing to strengthen Shiv Sena even after being removed. Despite being pushed aside by Uddhav ji, Raj Thackeray continued to support Shiv Sena. It was Balasaheb Thackeray’s wish that Raj Thackeray remain with the party,” Shinde continued, as quoted by ANI.

Eknath Shinde Says Uddhav Thackeray As Shiv Sena Leader ‘Threatened Its Survival’

On his decision to part ways with Thackeray in 2022, Shinde defended his move, asserting that staying with Thackeray would have led to the party’s downfall and the destruction of its symbol, 'Dhanushbaan'. He stated, “If we had stayed, the party would have collapsed, and even the symbol would have been lost. It is the party head’s responsibility to support and unite the workers. We witnessed that someone else was leading the party in a way that threatened its survival. In democracy, the majority’s voice is crucial. We ensured the party’s stability and today, Shiv Sena remains strong.”

Regarding his strategic move to Guwahati after splitting from Thackeray, Shinde explained, “It was part of our strategy. I went openly and communicated directly. I faced challenges from Uddhav ji, who tried to undermine our efforts. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to the party and its values”, as quoted by ANI.