Aaditya Thackeray Criticizes Eknath Shinde Amid Controversial Award Ceremony

Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) launched a fierce critique against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing him of dividing Shiv Sena and undermining Maharashtra's industrial progress. Thackeray expressed disapproval of Shinde receiving the Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar, highlighting tensions within the state's political landscape.

In a fiery speech on Thursday, Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) sharply criticized Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Thackeray accused Shinde of not only causing a rift within the Shiv Sena but also adversely impacting the industrial growth of Maharashtra.

Thackeray's comments came in response to the Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar being awarded to Shinde by Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar. Thackeray made it clear that he would not extend any honor to Shinde, citing his alleged divisive actions against the party and the state, as well as equating betrayal of Maharashtra with national betrayal.

The award presentation took place in New Delhi during the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, an event dedicated to Marathi literature and culture. The ceremony saw the presence of notable figures, including Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, alongside Sharad Pawar and Eknath Shinde, fueling political commentary. The award included a Rs 5 lakh prize, certificate, memento, and traditional Shindeshahi turban.