18 February,2024 09:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aaditya Thackeray. File Pic
Uddhav Thacleray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Sunday alleged that Maharashtra is lagging behind other states in development under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's government, reported the PTI.
He flagged the alleged lack of employment and the flight of industries to Gujarat to target the state government.
Aaditya, son of Uddhav Thackeray, visited various shakhas (party branches) of Shiv Sena (UBT) in Thane city, the stronghold of CM Eknath Shinde.
"Unemployment is rising but industries are being shifted to Gujarat. This government is neglecting common citizens while prioritizing self-interest," he said, as per the PTI.
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Aaditya Thackeray mocked CM Shinde for his "emotional response" to certain political developments and said the latter betrayed Uddhav Thackeray.
"CM Shinde is a failure as a Shiv Sainik as well as a human being. Under his leadership, Maharashtra is lagging behind in progress and development," the former cabinet minister said, the news agency reported on Sunday.
He recalled the old association of Shiv Sainiks from Thane with his grandparents Bal Thackeray and Meenatai.
"Betrayers have left the Shiv Sena but the real sainiks from Thane are with us," he said.
Aaditya reiterated his "challenge" against Shinde, asking him to resign as the chief minister and contest elections against him.
"I am ready to contest elections from your constituency in Thane," he said.
He alleged that elections to municipal bodies in Maharashtra are purposely being delayed as some public surveys have given an edge to Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents over the ruling Shiv Sena and BJP if elections are held.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday asked Shiv Sena cadres to expand the party network ahead of the Lok Sabha and assembly polls and shun complacency.
Addressing the party conclave here, Shinde said their collective future depends upon the strength of the party organisation.
He said the network of shakhas (party branches) should be expanded to every village and Shiv Sena should be in a lead position in at least 50 places in every assembly segment.
The elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are due in the second half of 2024.
"We should strengthen the organisation and have shakha in every village, and a party flag outside the border of every village. We have to ensure that our MLAs are in a lead position in 50 places in every Vidhan Sabha (constituency).
(with PTI inputs)
