Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray threw down the gauntlet to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, challenging him to a one-hour debate in the state assembly on the urban development department’s performance. Speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan, the Worli MLA vowed to pose pointed questions and demanded direct answers from Shinde, who also serves as the urban development minister.

“I’ll ask tough questions, and he must respond directly,” Thackeray asserted, accusing Shinde of merely “acting” while addressing issues in the House. He labeled Shinde “shameless, ungrateful, and treacherous,” alleging betrayal against his father, Uddhav Thackeray, who had entrusted Shinde with the urban development portfolio during his tenure as chief minister.

Thackeray didn’t hold back, referencing the 2022 Shiv Sena split when Shinde’s faction “ran away to Surat” after rebelling against Uddhav’s leadership. He accused the Shinde-led group of ingratitude, claiming they owed their political stature to Uddhav. “They don’t even feel ashamed accusing the person who gave them everything,” he said.

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Mocking Shinde’s body language as lacking courage, Thackeray dubbed his faction the “Shah Sena,” alluding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s alleged support. He also challenged the government to suspend him for his protests, including gestures against what he called the “chaddi-baniyan gang” of Shinde’s faction.

Thackeray reaffirmed Shiv Sena (UBT)’s commitment to raising issues vital to Maharashtra’s citizens, undeterred by the ruling coalition’s actions.

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