Last Updated:
The meeting has sparked controversy after photographs surfaced showing former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray seated in the back row.
Uddhav Thackeray seen with Sanjay Raut and Aditya Thackeray seated in a back-row at INDIA meet. (Image: X)
A political storm has erupted in Maharashtra following a recent INDIA Alliance meeting hosted by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. The meeting, attended by key opposition leaders, has sparked controversy after photographs surfaced showing former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray seated in the back row alongside party spokesperson Sanjay Raut and MLA Aditya Thackeray. The images have triggered a sharp attack from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena, which accused Thackeray of “bringing shame to Maharashtra” by accepting a perceived slight.
Naresh Mhaske, a Lok Sabha MP from Thane and a prominent voice in Shinde’s Shiv Sena, took to X to lambast Thackeray. In a scathing post, Mhaske wrote, “Oh, Uddhav Thackeray, is this your worth? You speak of Shivaji’s legacy, yet you sit in the last row at Congress’s meeting?” He invoked the teachings of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, saying, “Balasaheb taught us pride and self-respect. Shivaji and Balasaheb taught us to rise against insults. Have you forgotten all of this?” Mhaske’s post didn’t spare Aditya Thackeray either, mocking him with, “Congress has reduced you to this state, Aditya. Even parties with one MP got front-row seats, yet you brought disgrace to Maharashtra in Delhi.”
The seating arrangement at Rahul Gandhi’s residence has become a flashpoint, with Shinde’s faction framing it as an insult to Maharashtra’s pride. Mhaske further taunted, “If you have even a shred of self-respect left, stand up for Maharashtra. Look at other photos to see who truly upholds the state’s honor.” The attack underscores the bitter rivalry between the two Shiv Sena factions, a divide that deepened after Shinde’s rebellion in 2022, which toppled Thackeray’s government.
The INDIA Alliance meeting was meant to strategize for upcoming elections, but the viral photos have shifted focus to this political slugfest. Sanjay Raut, responding to the criticism, dismissed it as “baseless” and called detractors “fools,” claiming the back-row seating was due to a presentation setup, not a deliberate snub. However, the Shinde camp’s aggressive narrative has resonated with some, framing Thackeray’s participation as a compromise of Shiv Sena’s legacy of Marathi pride.
Shinde Sena leaders further mocked Uddhav Thackeray by doing small gathering at the Balasaheb Thackeray memorial in Dadar, MLC and leader of Shinde camp Manisha Kayande said, “Today we have gathered here at memorial of Balasaheb Thackeray to seek an apology for Uddhav Thackeray who was made to sit in the 6-7 row in one of the meetings in Delhi. During Balasaheb’s time all these Delhi leaders used to come to Matoshree to meet him but see what they have done to Uddhav Thackeray.” Sheetal Mhatre, spokesperson of Shinde led Shiv arena said,” When you leave Hindutva and join hands with parties which has no inclination for Hindutva that’s how they treat you.”
As Maharashtra gears up for local body elections, this episode is likely to fuel further political sparring. The Shinde faction’s pointed jabs aim to undermine Thackeray’s credibility, while the UBT faction scrambles to counter the “humiliation” narrative. The battle for Balasaheb’s legacy continues to play out publicly, with Maharashtra watching closely.
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa…Read More
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa… Read More
view comments
Read More
