Latest news with #Balasaheb
India Gazette
17 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Loud voice of Marathi people means Shiv Sena": Eknath Shinde lauds party's progress, slams Uddhav Thackeray
Mumbai (Mahrashtra) [India], June 20 (ANI): Hailing Shiv Sena's progress Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the party means 'loud voice' for the Marathi people. He mentioned that the party has faced many challenges in the past 59 years, but has kept growing like a 'banyan tree'. Eknath Shinde was addressing a gathering in Mumbai on Thursday, on the occasion of Shiv Sena Foundation Day. 'This rally is based on Balasaheb's ideas. The other one is about people who are greedy for power. The loud voice of Marathi people means Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena means self-respect, pride, bow and arrow, and our life. In 59 years, Shiv Sena has faced many challenges. The banyan tree of Balasaheb's ideas kept growing; this Shiv Sena is increasing nationwide. Yesterday, the heads of seven states came. Shiv Sena is growing. Many people have to join Shiv Sena', the Maharashtra Deputy CM said. The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister hit out at the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and stated that in 2014, Shiv Sena contested 282 seats and had a strike rate of 22 per cent; however, the party ended up winning 60 out of 80 seats in the 2024 elections. Shinde said whatever, the seats Shiv Sena (UBT) won were because of Congress' 'mercy'. 'In 2014, Shiv Sena contested 282 seats and had a strike rate of 22%. In 2024, it contested 80 seats and won 60 seats. They did not even get 1/3 of the votes of our Shiv Sena. The seats it won were at the mercy of Congress', Eknath Shinde added. Slamming Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde said that his 'arrogance' is leading him to 'destruction.' Shinde said that Maharashtra has never seen such a 'treacherous person' and alleged that he betrayed Balasaheb Thackeray's ' ideas.' 'Arrogance is leading them to destruction. Maharashtra is witness to this. We know who committed the sin of tying Congress around their neck. He was helpless for power and tied his head around his waist. He betrayed Balasaheb's ideas. Maharashtra has never seen such a treacherous person', Eknath Shinde added. (ANI)
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
59th foundation day of Sena: Shinde sounds BMC poll bugle, says Uddhav Sena looted Mumbai treasury
Sounding the poll bugle for the upcoming elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena UBT, which ruled the civic body for over two decades, of looting it and now invoking the 'fight for Mumbai' campaign for 'political gain'. Shinde was referring to Sena UBT MLA and former minister Aaditya Thackeray's recently launched 'ladha Mumbai cha' (fight for Mumbai) campaign. He was speaking at the event to mark the 59th foundation day of Shiv Sena in Worli. 'Just like a demon's life is tied to a parrot, their lifeline is the BMC treasury, and hence they now remember Mumbai and fight for Mumbai, and are making baseless claims of plot to break Mumbai from Maharashtra,' Shinde said, alluding to the Sena UBT. He added, 'Mumbai belongs to Maharashtra. No matter who comes or even if seven generations descend, no one can separate it from the state.' Reaffirming his allegiance to Sena founder late Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology and referring to the foundation day event of Sena UBT, Shinde said, 'Ours is a gathering of principles, theirs is one of desperation for power. We have preserved Balasaheb's vision, and that's why Shiv Sena is charging ahead.' Taking a dig at Uddhav, Shinde said, 'Even a chameleon takes time to change colour — not these people. Balasaheb once gave up his voting rights for Hindutva but never compromised. Today, those claiming to be his heirs have sold themselves for power.' Referring to Uddhav's remark during the foundation day event of Sena UBT, Shinde said, 'What's the point of hitting someone politically dead? Maharashtra has already killed you in polls.' Recalling a dialogue from the film Prahaar, Thackeray said during a rally, 'Like Nana Patekar in the film, I am standing before these traitors and telling them, Come on, kill me.' 'You were in power all these years, looting the treasury, playing with Mumbaikars' health, and now you remember the Mumbai fight?' he asked. On ongoing investigations into the Mithi River desilting scam, Shinde warned, 'One person(actor Dino Morea) is already being probed — if he starts speaking, many will fall like dominoes. No one will escape the crocodile grip of the Mithi River.' 'Get ready to win,' he told party workers. 'The saffron flag of Mahayuti will fly high over municipal corporations, councils, and village panchayats.' During his address, Shinde announced the launch of a new campaign titled 'Dowry-free Maharashtra' to protect the women facing dowry harrassment. The initiative, spearheaded by Sena's women's wing, comes in the wake of the tragic death of Vaishnavi Hagwane in Pune, allegedly due to dowry harassment. 'Like the daughters of Maharashtra, daughter-in-laws are also like my own sisters. This campaign will begin at Anand Ashram in Thane and expand across the state. Every Sena Shakha will become a second home for women facing dowry-related abuse,' Shinde said. Earlier in the day, Shinde Sena mocked Uddhav Sena for celebrating the party's foundation day, claiming the Sena UBT came into existence only three years ago and should celebrate its foundation day on October 10, 2022, when the Election Commission granted it the name and mashal as its poll symbol.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Uddhav is desperate for power, changes colours like chameleon: Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday dubbed his rival and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray as a "betrayer", accusing him of being desperate for power and changing colours like a chameleon. Speaking at the 59th Foundation Day of the party, he said while self-confidence led him and his party to success, Thackeray's ego led him to his destruction. He also taunted Thackeray, saying he was eager to have an alliance with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls. "He is so desperate that he is seeking alliances," he said in a veiled reference to the possibility of Sena (UBT)'s alliance with the MNS led by Uddhav's estranged cousin Raj Thackeray. Also Read | Question mark over the future of MVA amid talks of new alliances Shinde said the ruling Shiv Sena functioned on the ideology of party founder Bal Thackeray, while the other side was desperate for power. ''We have the Shiv Sena bow and arrow symbol and people's support. We have protected Balasaheb's ideology,'' he said. He said the Sena (UBT) did not even get one third of the votes polled by his Shiv Sena in the 2024 assembly polls. "Whatever votes they got were because of the Congress as the real Shiv Sena voters have bid them good bye,'' he said. Shinde said he has self-confidence, while the other side has ego. "Self-confidence has give us success, while ego has led to their destruction. Balasaheb opposed Congress, but those desperate for power aligned with that party. Sena (UBT) has betrayed Marathi people, Shiv Sena voters and Hindutva,'' he alleged. Also Read | Uddhav rallies Shiv Sena (UBT) cadre for BMC polls, pitches 'Marathi pride' Shinde said he has never seen a "betrayer'' like Uddhav Thackeray, who changes colours very easily like a chameleon as he wants only money. "Those who are helpless for power cannot be Balasaheb's heirs," he said. The deputy CM said he will never compromise on Hindutva for power. "They consider BMC as golden goose. Mumbai and its importance is not under threat, but their politics and finances will come under threat as their soul is in the BMC treasury, while our soul is Hindutva. There will be no compromise on it,'' he said. Is Hindutva a T-shirt that you can wear or remove any time, he asked, referring to Thackeray's statement that he has not quit Hindutva. "Why do you hesitate to call Balasaheb as Hindu Hriday Samrat (emperor of Hindu hearts). You join hands with those who abuse (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi and (Union minister Amit) Shah, who fulfilled Balasaheb's dream of Ram temple and abrogation of Article 370, and with those who abuse Savarkar and Hindu religion,'' he said. He also mocked Uddhav Thackeray's ''kill me" remark and said mere talk is not enough. "You need a tiger's heart and strength in your wrist. How can we kill someone who is already dead? People of the state have already finished them in the assembly provoke me. If someone does that, I don't leave them. I have already upturned your horse carriage and taken away your horses," he said. Shinde questioned why Thackeray did not visit the families of the tourists killed in the Pahalgam attack. "Where were you? Where was your patriotism and love for Marathi that time?" he asked. After Operation Sindoor, Balasaheb would have praised PM Modi, whereas the Congress was questioning the armed forces and abusing him, he alleged. "Are you an Indian or a Pakistani agent? Pakistan uses your statements against India. Rahul Gandhi has become a hero in Pakistan but is a zero in India," he said. Shinde praised his son and Lok Sabha member Shrikant Shinde and Rajya Sabha member Milind Deora for being part of the all-party delegation after Operation Sindoor. Just like the Ladki Bahin scheme, the party has launched a Ladki Soon (daughter-in-law) scheme and it will fight for women facing domestic abuse, he said. He said 50 former corporators of the undivided Shiv Sena have joined his party. "We will fight to win the local body elections. Decision on alliance will be taken at appropriate time," he said. "Balasaheb's ideology is our wealth," he said. Shinde asked his supporters not to get carried away by the assembly election results. "Get ready to win the local body elections," he said.
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Meet Sanjay Dutt's ‘second father', who stood by him when no one else did, even helped to get him out of jail; He is…
Sanjay Dutt has never just been a movie star. For over four decades, he's been a symbol of talent, rebellion, survival, and second chances. His onscreen intensity made him a legend; his off-screen turbulence turned him into folklore. From blockbuster fame to courtroom headlines, Sanju Baba's life has played out like a film reel — dramatic, unforgiving, and deeply human. But behind the headlines and public trials lies a lesser-known chapter — one that speaks of unwavering loyalty and silent support. In the darkest phase of his life — when his name surfaced during the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts — Sanjay Dutt found himself alienated, even by those closest to him. His father, Sunil Dutt, then a Congress MP, found no backing from his own party. The noise was deafening, and help was scarce. And that's when the door opened — not from within Bollywood, not from Parliament — but from the residence of Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray. Sanju didn't just admire Balasaheb — he called him Saheb and saw him as a second father. It wasn't politics; it was personal. In a rare moment of vulnerability, the actor once said, 'Whatever he has done for me and my family, I can never forget. I love Saheb like a father.' Back in 1993, when Sanjay Dutt was arrested for possessing illegal weapons and linked to the Mumbai blasts, Balasaheb Thackeray came to his defence through an editorial in Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Saamana . He insisted Dutt was innocent and being framed by the police, arguing the actor had procured the arms only for self-defence during the riots that shook the city before the blasts. Sunil Dutt, known for his Gandhian values, walked into the home of the fierce Sena supremo with just one request — help my son. And Balasaheb did. How? That remains behind closed doors, whispered in political corridors, but never confirmed. What's known is this: when the world turned away, Balasaheb stood by the Dutts. Their bond wasn't transactional — it was rooted in years of mutual respect. For Sunil, Balasaheb was a man of his word. For Sanju, he was a lifeline when few others showed up. Even today, when Sanjay Dutt looks back at those years, it's not just legal battles or media trials he remembers — it's the kindness of a man he called Saheb. Sometimes, the greatest rescue stories are the ones never fully told.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
CM Fadnavis inaugurates final phase of Nagpur-Mumbai 'Samruddhi Mahamarg', says path to prosperity delivered
Igatpuri (Maharashtra): Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, on Thursday inaugurated the last phase of 76 km of Igatpuri to Aamne, Thane of the 701 km Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg that connects Nagpur with Mumbai. With the inauguration of the last phase of Samruddhi Highway, the entire 701 km-long road has been put into service. Now, the Nagpur-Mumbai journey can be completed in eight hours instead of 16 hours. The distance from Igatpuri to Kasara will be covered in just 8 minutes and there are a total of 5 tunnels in this 76 km phase. Among them, the longest tunnel on the Samruddhi Highway is 8 km long is in Nashik district that starts from Igatpuri. Before the inauguration, the Chief Minister and both the Deputy Chief Ministers travelled through the tunnel by car. The CM said: 'Maharashtra's path to prosperity – paved and delivered!' He further said: 'A vision completed, boosting connectivity and driving sustainable growth for Maharashtra. Maharashtra's Prosperity Lifeline: Samruddhi Mahamarg!A historic moment highlighting Maharashtra's growth and progress through essential infrastructural development.' The Chief Minister's Office in a post on X said: "Dream Turns into Reality. CM Devendra Fadnavis enjoyed a drive on the 'Hinduhrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg' along with DCM Eknath Shinde and DCM Ajit Pawar. This visionary project, and brainchild of CM Devendra Fadnavis himself, stands as a symbol of Maharashtra's progress. This historic drive witnessed the realisation of a long-cherished dream for the state.' Commenting on their travel together in the same car, Fadnavis said, 'Our car is working fine. We three work in three shifts.' CM Fadnavis said: 'We are happy that the inauguration of fourth phase and the entire stretch of 701 km of Samruddhi Mahamarg is now opened for vehicular traffic during the tenure of the MahaYuti government. Now in the next phase, the government proposes to develop Shaktipeeth Mahamarg which will completely transform the Marathwada and it will bring economic changes there. The work will begin soon on this project.' Of the 701 km, the first phase of 520 km of the Samruddhi Mahamarg was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 11, 2023, the second phase of 80 km between Shirdi and Bharvir by ex-CM Eknath Shinde on May 26, 2023, the third phase of 25 km between Bharvir and Igatpuri by the former public works minister (MSRDC) on March 4, 2024. The MSRDC has constructed this 701-km long access controlled expressway at a cost of Rs 55,335 crore. The six-lane expressway, which passes through 10 districts, 26 talukas and 392 villages of the state, has been completed in phases. With the commissioning of entire project, 12 districts are now connected with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority. In a related development, the southern section of the Thane Creek Bridge-3 project of the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) that goes from Pune to Mumbai was also inaugurated by the Chief Minister through video conferencing. This section will make the Pune-Mumbai travel easier.
