Thackeray raises concerns about voter fraud and stresses the need for opposition unity to protect democracy. Shinde praises Pawar’s gesture, emphasizing the importance of cross-party relationships.

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday strongly condemned the recent gesture by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, who honoured Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.
Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray, said that it was against the principles of his party to honour someone like Shinde, who he claimed had caused a major rift within the Shiv Sena and Maharashtra.
While refusing to comment on Sharad Pawar’s age, seniority, and principles, Aaditya Thackeray said, “It is our principle never to honour a person like this (Eknath Shinde). He (Shinde) has not just split our party and family but has also damaged Maharashtra’s economic backbone—the industrialisation of the state. A person who betrays Maharashtra is no different from a traitor to the country. Jo Maharashtra drohi hai, woh desh drohi bhi hota hai (One who betrays Maharashtra is also a traitor to the nation).”

Sharad Pawar had lauded Shinde for his leadership and efforts in bridging political divides while conferring the Mahadji Shinde Rashtriya Gaurav Award at the 98th All India Marathi Literary Conference on Tuesday.
The move triggered a strong backlash from the Shiv Sena (UBT).
Amid the controversy, Aaditya Thackeray met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi.
Though Aaditya called it a “courtesy visit,” political observers viewed the meetings as ‘important’, given the ongoing tensions within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
He also raised concerns about voter fraud and EVM tampering, calling for opposition unity to safeguard democracy. “There is a big question mark on whether elections in India are free and fair. The entire process does not seem transparent anymore,” he said.
“Today it’s happening to Shiv Sena, Congress, and AAP. Tomorrow, it could be Nitish Kumar or Chandrababu Naidu,” Aaditya warned, stressing the need for opposition unity.
Sanjay Raut also criticized Sharad Pawar’s move, equating it to honouring home minister Amit Shah, who allegedly supported the split in Shiv Sena.
BJP leaders, however, seized the opportunity, claiming Pawar’s gesture was an acknowledgment of Shinde’s superior performance compared to Uddhav Thackeray as CM.
Eknath Shinde responded with praise for Pawar, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships across party lines.
“Pawar often bowls googlies, but I am confident he won’t bowl one at me,” Shinde said, adding that his developmental work had Pawar’s approval.