In a fiery campaign speech ahead of crucial civic polls, Congress candidate Harshwardhan Sapkal has launched a direct attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, levelling serious allegations of financial misconduct.
Serious Allegations in Thane Campaign
While canvassing for Congress candidates for the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation elections on January 15, 2026, Sapkal made explosive claims. He publicly accused Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of accumulating wealth through illegal business ventures. These allegations, made on the campaign trail, add a sharp personal edge to the political contest in the region.
Broadside Against the Ruling BJP
Sapkal did not stop at targeting Shinde. He also trained his guns on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is part of the governing coalition in the state. He accused the BJP of extending its support to 'persons involved in crimes against women'. This dual attack implicates both the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde and its ally, the BJP, in serious ethical and legal failures.
The Political Context and Implications
The timing of these allegations is critical, coming just days before the January 15, 2026 municipal elections. Thane, a political stronghold, is witnessing a high-stakes battle. Sapkal's accusations aim to question the integrity of the state's leadership and sway public opinion by highlighting issues of corruption and women's safety. The speech, reported by PTI on January 10, 2026, at 18:44 IST, has set the stage for a heated final phase of campaigning. The response from Shinde and the BJP will be closely watched as voters prepare to head to the polls.
