New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray discussed his meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his scheduled meeting with former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Addressing media in Delhi, he said, “Today, the future of your country is in doubt. We don’t know where our vote is going amid voter fraud and EVM fraud in the country. Are elections being held in a free and fair manner in our country today? We think we are living in a democracy, but it is no longer a democracy.”
Aaditya Thackarey expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral system, saying that the situation could worsen for other political leaders like Nitish Kumar, RJD and Chandrababu Naidu in the future.
#WATCH | On Sharad Pawar honouring Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray says, “I will not talk about his (Sharad Pawar) age, seniority and principles. It is our principle never to honour a person like this (Eknath Shinde). He (Eknath… pic.twitter.com/fRc1p1aFbe
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2025
It’s our principle to never honour person like Shinde: Aaditya Thackeray
Thackeray also spoke about INDIA alliance, stressing that it operates under joint leadership with no single leader at the helm. He emphasized that the alliance’s purpose is not driven by personal egos or ambitions but by a collective fight for the country’s future.
The Shiv Sena leader then turned his attention to the political situation in Maharashtra. He criticized NCP leader Sharad Pawar’s gesture of honouring Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Delhi with Rashtra Gaurav Award.
Thackeray expressed his disapproval, saying, “It is our principle never to honour a person like this (Eknath Shinde). He has not just split our party and family but also Maharashtra’s spine—industrialization in the state.”
Thackeray further said that someone who betrays Maharashtra should also be considered a traitor to the country. He said, “Jo Maharashtra drohi hai, woh desh drohi bhi hota hai.”
What led to political feud in Maharashtra?
This political clash escalated after Sharad Pawar honoured Shinde in Delhi. In a statement, Pawar’s faction of NCP honoured Eknath Shinde with the prestigious award, named after Maratha leader Mahadji Shinde, in a ceremony in Delhi.
Following the award presentation, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut criticized Sharad Pawar for his actions, calling the honour a reward for someone who played a role in splitting Shiv Sena. Raut pointed out that Pawar’s decision to honor Shinde was seen as a betrayal by many in Maharashtra, particularly the Marathi community. He said, “This honour is not for Deputy CM Eknath Shinde but for Amit Shah. This honour is for the person who worked to divide Maharashtra.”
Raut also emphasized the political differences between Delhi and Maharashtra, yet asserted that the alliance’s principles should be respected. He said, “We believe that this is not an honor for Deputy CM Eknath Shinde but for Amit Shah.”
He further criticized Pawar for what he considered a betrayal of the Thackeray family and the people of Maharashtra. Raut concluded by saying that Pawar’s actions were akin to hurting the heart of every Marathi person.
