Mumbai: Shiv Sena Minister Sanjay Shirsat announced on Sunday that he would raise the matter of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde allegedly not being invited to the unveiling of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Navi Mumbai International Airport on Saturday. The event, which featured a 12-foot bronze bust of the Maratha warrior king at Terminal 1, was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, MLAs Prashant Thakur and Mahesh Baldi, and former MP Ramsheth Thakur.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve commented that the incident demonstrates Shinde being sidelined within the MahaYuti alliance. Political observers note that the turf rivalry between the Shiv Sena and BJP’s Ganesh Naik in Navi Mumbai likely contributed to what is seen as a snub for Shinde. Shirsat alleged that officials might have acted under political pressure and warned that they must not step into politics.
Invitation Controversy
Shiv Sena functionaries pointed out that the invitation named only the Chief Minister, not the Deputy Chief Ministers. They questioned why Shinde, as the guardian minister of Thane district, was not invited to a high-profile event in Navi Mumbai, which falls under his jurisdiction. “I’ll raise the issue before CM Fadnavis in the cabinet meeting on Tuesday,” Shirsat said.
Danve’s Remarks
Danve stated that this instance reflects the treatment being meted out to Shinde by the BJP. “Navi Mumbai is Thane district and Shinde is the guardian minister. If he is not invited to an event in his own district, it is clear which direction things are heading. It shows that they (BJP) don’t want Shinde. What will he do...just getting upset? He will be upset for a couple of days and go back to his village. Beyond that, what can he do?” Danve said.
