New Delhi [India], February 13 : Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing him of not only causing a split in the Shiv Sena but also harming Maharashtra's industrial growth.
Speaking to the media, Thackeray criticized Shinde for allegedly weakening the state's economic backbone and reiterated his stance against honouring him.
Reacting to the Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar awarded to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde by Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Thackeray said that his principles will never allow him to honour a person like Eknath Shinde.
"I will not talk about his (Sharad Pawar's) age, seniority, and principles. It is our principle never to honour a person like this (Eknath Shinde). He has not only split our party and family but also Maharashtra's industrialisation in the state. Jo Maharashtra drohi hai, woh desh drohi bhi hota hai (A betrayer of Maharashtra is also a betrayer of the nation)," Thackeray said.
The award was presented to Shinde in New Delhi during the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, an annual conference focused on Marathi literature, language, and culture, on Tuesday. The event was attended by senior leaders, including Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia.
During the event, Sharad Pawar and Eknath Shinde shared the stage, sparking political reactions. Shinde was also honoured with the Mahadji Shinde Rashtriya Gaurav Award on the occasion.
The event was attended by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murli Dhar Mohol, senior writer Dr Sadanand More, and Padma Bhushan awardee sculptor Ram Sutar as chief guests.
The Mahadji Shinde Rashtriya Gaurav Award, named after the legendary Maratha military commander, includes a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a certificate of honour, a memento, and the traditional Shindeshahi turban.