Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Monday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, accusing it of failing to address a range of socio-economic and political challenges facing the state. In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Thackeray camp alleged that inflation, corruption, agricultural distress and communal polarisation were worsening public hardship. It described the current rulers as a major obstacle confronting Maharashtra and the country.

The editorial criticised the government over rising prices of essential commodities and fuels ahead of the festive season. It pointed to increases in the prices of sugar, milk, CNG, domestic LPG, petrol and diesel, saying the higher costs had affected household budgets. Despite the financial pressure, the party said devotees would continue to welcome Lord Ganesha with devotion during the festival.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party also raised the recent assault on Pune activist Vidyanand Bapat, who had opposed high-decibel DJ systems during public celebrations. The editorial alleged that instead of addressing concerns over noise pollution, the ruling establishment labelled Bapat an “urban Naxal” and an “outsider”. It further criticised the Chief Minister for what it described as an evasive response to the matter.

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Agricultural distress was another major issue highlighted by the editorial. Referring to the impact of El Nino, the Thackeray camp warned of worsening drought conditions, claiming that Kharif crops were suffering and inadequate rainfall was raising concerns over the upcoming Rabi season. It said rural livelihoods were at serious risk and also raised the issue of continuing farmer suicides.

The editorial also criticised repeated examination paper leaks, citing controversies involving NEET and TET as well as the leak of Maharashtra Public Service Commission papers, which resulted in the cancellation of examinations. It questioned the effectiveness of the government's announced Special Investigation Team probe and administrative reforms, asking who would be accountable for the impact on thousands of students and aspiring candidates.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) editorial further raised concerns over crimes against children, poor roads and enforcement of local Marathi language norms for non-native auto and taxi drivers. It argued that the public Ganesh festival's original socio-political vision associated with Lokmanya Tilak was being weakened by corporate influence and political posturing. Concluding its criticism, the party portrayed Maharashtra as increasingly directionless and appealed to Lord Ganesha to bring wisdom and “save” the state.

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