Kumar Bahukhandi
Eknath Shinde lashes out at his opponents on Shiv Sena Foundation Day at Thane on Friday June 19, 2026 -Photo Credit -PTI
Rhetoric has once again intensified in Maharashtra politics. On the occasion of Shiv Sena’s foundation day, Eknath Shinde targeted Uddhav Thackeray and made a significant statement regarding his relationship with the Mahayuti alliance and Devendra Fadnavis.
Thane ( Maharashtra ): A war of words has reignited in Maharashtra politics. At the Shiv Sena foundation day event, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a scathing attack on Uddhav Thackeray and his faction. He clearly stated that the Mahayuti alliance is rock-solid and dismissed talk of a rift in his relationship with Devendra Fadnavis as mere rumor. Responding to critics, Shinde remarked, “Dogs keep barking, but the tiger hunts.” This statement is being viewed as a direct message to the Uddhav faction.
Speaking from the Shiv Sena foundation day stage, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said that some people are constantly trying to create misunderstandings between him and Devendra Fadnavis. Describing the Mahayuti alliance as unbreakable, he asserted that any attempt to shatter it would fail. According to Shinde, the opposition frequently spreads such rumors, yet the very people orchestrating these plots eventually come forward to reveal the truth. Furthermore, Shinde stated that the Maharashtra government is working at full speed, with its entire focus on development; consequently, political rumors will have absolutely no impact on the government’s functioning.
‘What was seen was merely the trailer’
In his speech, Shinde targeted the opposition, stating that what has been witnessed so far is merely the trailer, while the real picture is yet to unfold. He remarked that while opposition parties constantly attempt to corner the government, the public is observing everything. The Chief Minister also assured that the state government’s public welfare schemes would continue. Specifically mentioning the ‘Ladki Bahin’ (beloved sister) scheme, he stated that there is no possibility of it being discontinued and affirmed that the government would continue to work resolutely in the public interest.
Taking aim at Uddhav Thackeray, Shinde remarked that had Balasaheb Thackeray been alive today, he would have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to Shinde, issues such as the construction of the Ram Mandir and the abrogation of Article 370 were among Balasaheb Thackeray’s long-cherished dreams—dreams that the current leadership has fulfilled.
He alleged that the opposition is left with no substantive issues and is consequently engaging in a politics of mere accusation; he added that the public has delivered its verdict in multiple elections and that support will continue to be garnered based on the agenda of development. This speech, delivered on the occasion of the Shiv Sena’s foundation day, is being viewed as carrying a significant political message within Maharashtra’s political landscape—particularly as Shinde has categorically dismissed reports of a rift within the Mahayuti alliance.
