Political Fallout: Outcry Over Sharad Pawar's Felicitation of Eknath Shinde

The Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized ally Sharad Pawar for honoring Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who split the party, at a Delhi event. Despite the literary context, this act has stirred political tension, with the BJP viewing it as an endorsement of Shinde's leadership over Uddhav Thackeray.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) strongly criticized its ally NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Wednesday for honoring Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at an event in Delhi.

This displeasure stems from Shinde's previous role in splitting the Shiv Sena, a move that was allegedly supported by BJP's Amit Shah. Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut equated the felicitation to honoring Shah, further unsettling the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi.

While Pawar's gesture was part of a literary meet, BJP interpreted it as an endorsement of Shinde's leadership over Uddhav Thackeray. The controversy highlights enduring political tensions and varying perceptions of governance within Maharashtra.

(With inputs from agencies.)