Tue Mar 18 14:27:33 UTC 2025: ## Shinde Accuses Thackeray of Pleading with Modi, Abandoning Shivaji Maharaj’s Ideology
**Mumbai, [Date]** – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that Thackeray had pleaded with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for protection from investigating agencies. Shinde, speaking in the Legislative Council, claimed Thackeray travelled to Delhi to seek Modi’s intervention and even discussed forming a coalition government, only to renege upon his return.
Shinde further accused Thackeray and his Shiv Sena (UBT) faction of abandoning the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and embracing an “Aurangzebi ideology” by aligning with the Congress. He asserted that his faction courageously reclaimed the bow and arrow symbol – a key Shiv Sena emblem – from the Congress. Shinde dismissed the UBT’s right to invoke Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, citing their alleged embrace of Aurangzeb’s ideology. He portrayed himself and his faction as prioritizing public service over power.
These remarks follow recent allegations from Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who claimed Shinde had previously sought to join the Congress. Raut hinted at past dealings involving Congress leader Ahmed Patel, but declined to elaborate. The accusations come amidst the ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra, further fueled by former Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole’s Holi-time offer to Shinde and NCP’s Ajit Pawar to join the opposition, promising them a rotational Chief Ministership. The escalating war of words highlights the deep divisions within Maharashtra’s political landscape.
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