Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while addressing the Shiv Sena’s traditional Dussehra fair organized by his party, launched a scathing attack on Shiv Sena-UBT chief and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and the opposition. Shinde sarcastically remarked that Thackeray should hold his Dussehra fair in Pakistan and invite Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, as he speaks their (Rahul Gandhi and the opposition’s) language.
“Dussehra fair is a Shiv Sena tradition”
Shinde began his speech by stating that the Dussehra fair is a Shiv Sena tradition, but this time, given the farmers’ plight, it has been concentrated in Thane, Palghar, and Mumbai. He said that his government stands with the farmers, who are suffering from unseasonal rains and floods. He said, “80 percent social service and 20 percent politics was Balasaheb’s idea, and he is working on it.”
He assured the farmers, saying, “I am also a farmer’s son. I will not let the farmers’ Diwali be marred. Help will be provided before Diwali.” He took a dig at Uddhav Thackeray, saying that he is not the kind of leader who goes on Facebook Live or “tours in a vanity van while saving clothes.” Shinde called Uddhav Thackeray “not a party chief, but a cut chief,” accusing him of cutting people.
Shinde’s attack on Rahul Gandhi
Eknath Shinde alleged that Rahul Gandhi raises questions about the Sena, while Uddhav Thackeray is sitting with him, even supporting those who insult Savarkar. He said, “If Balasaheb were alive, he would have given him (Rahul Gandhi) a chilli smoke.”
Shinde said that Uddhav Thackeray is only interested in photography, while his workers had gone to provide help during the crisis. He sarcastically said, “He himself needs cashews and almonds, but if he goes into the water, he gets a cold and cough.”