Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s decision to travel abroad with his family as Maharashtra marked its 65th foundation day has become a political flashpoint, with the ruling Mahayuti questioning his absence from the grand celebrations in Mumbai.
While the rest of the state’s political spectrum turned up in full force to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, Thackeray remained absent.
advertisement
BJP Mumbai chief and Culture Minister Ashish Shelar took direct aim at Thackeray, accusing him of ignoring the Marathi identity he claims to uphold. “A leader who speaks of Marathi pride can not afford to be missing on Maharashtra’s most significant day,” Shelar said.
Joining the chorus, former Congress MP (now with the Shinde faction) Sanjay Nirupam remarked, “When it’s time to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for the state, the Thackeray family chooses a foreign holiday instead”.
When questioned about Uddhav Thackeray’s whereabouts, party MP Sanjay Raut dodged the question.
Meanwhile, the Mahayuti coalition — comprising the BJP, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and the NCP (Ajit Pawar group) — showcased political unity on Maharashtra Day. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the tributes at Hutatma Chowk, honouring those who died fighting for a unified Maharashtra.
advertisement
BJP cadres marked the occasion with events at 106 locations, featuring traditional shahiri and powada performances celebrating the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The opposition parties also made their presence felt.
Supriya Sule of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray greeted each other at Hutatma Chowk. and Congress Mumbai president Varsha Gaikwad too attended the event.
The NCP (Ajit Pawar camp) hosted the Gaurav Maharashtra festival, highlighting the state’s cultural legacy.
Must Watch
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
