Shiv Sena (UBT) workers and leaders staged protests across Maharashtra, including a major agitation at Kranti Chowk in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, demanding the immediate removal of “tainted” ministers from the BJP-led Mahayuti government.

Led by Uddhav Thackeray and Ambadas Danve, the “Jan Aakrosh” campaign accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar of shielding corrupt officials, targeting ministers Yogesh Kadam, Sanjay Shirsat, Sanjay Rathod (all from Shiv Sena), and Manikrao Kokate (NCP).

The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction alleged Kadam operated a dance bar under his mother’s name, a claim he denied, while Kokate faced criticism for reportedly playing rummy during a legislative council session and making insensitive remarks about farmers. Shirsat was targeted after a video surfaced showing him with a bag allegedly containing cash, which he claimed held only clothes. Rathod faced accusations of corruption and involvement in a 2021 controversy linked to a woman’s suicide, though no charges were proven.

Danve, addressing the Kranti Chowk rally, condemned the ministers’ actions, stating, “Some play rummy, some flaunt money, others run dance bars or practice black magic. The CM and his deputies are protecting them.” He demanded their immediate removal from the cabinet. The protests, also held at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park and district collector offices statewide, coincided with the INDIA bloc’s Delhi march against alleged electoral misconduct.

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Social media on X amplified the agitation, with users like @mid_day highlighting Thackeray’s Dadar rally and @zee24taasnews noting statewide outrage. The BJP countered, with MLC Sanjay Kenekar calling the protests political posturing, citing Sena (UBT)’s inaction during its MVA tenure.

The Mahayuti government, retaining power in the 2024 Assembly elections with 132 seats, faces mounting pressure as Sena (UBT) vows to escalate its campaign until accountability is enforced.

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