Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 5 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray, after the latter reunited with his brother and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray.

Speaking to the media, Shinde alleged that instead of speaking for the Marathi community, Uddhav Thackeray used the stage for political purposes and focused only on power and self-interest.

'There was a clear expectation that Uddhav Thackeray would apologise to the Marathi people for accepting the report mandating compulsory Hindi from Class 1 to 12. Instead, he turned the stage into a political battleground. He raised no relevant issue concerning the Marathi Manoos. Self-interest and the hunger for power were the only visible agendas,' Shinde said.

Eknath Shinde said that Raj Thackeray's speech reflected concern for the Marathi language while Uddhav's speech was filled with bitterness, jealousy, and a desperate craving for power and position.

'Raj Thackeray's speech today reflected genuine concern for the Marathi language. In contrast, Uddhav's speech was filled with bitterness, jealousy, and a desperate craving for power and position. Some leaders spoke of having neither a flag nor an agenda. But while one observed that restraint, the other shamelessly revealed his flag of selfishness and his agenda for power. Today's event left the Marathi community disappointed,' Shinde said

Shinde continued his sharp criticism of Uddhav Thackeray, saying he lacks courage and has failed politically.

He said Thackeray should watch his words and remember the consequences when challenged.

'Three years ago, we rose against injustice. Uddhav Thackeray must mind his language. He must remember very well what happens when I decide to rise. He is all noise and no courage. He has fallen flat on his face in the Vidhan Sabha elections and now needs others to lift him up,' he added.

The Maharashtra Deputy CM highlighted the adoption of the state song and the proposal to give Marathi the status of a classical language, which was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He also called it unfortunate that even the Prime Minister was targeted, calling it a sign of desperation for power.

Responding to those questioning his contribution to the Marathi cause, Shinde said, 'As Chief Minister, we passed the resolution adopting the State Song, and today's event began with it. We proposed granting 'Classical Language' status to Marathi, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately approved it. Yet today, even the Prime Minister was targeted, a deeply unfortunate act that only exposes their mindset, hatred, and desperation for power.'

Shinde accused Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the Marathi people and Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology.

He questioned the declining Marathi population and shrinking representation in Mumbai, blaming Uddhav for abandoning core values in 2019 to gain power.

'The real questions need to be answered by Uddhav Thackeray,' Shinde asserted. 'Why has the Marathi population in Mumbai declined? Why is the representation of Marathi people shrinking? He abandoned Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology in 2019, and the public responded in the Assembly elections. Shiv Sena won 60 seats, while Uddhav's party contested 100 and managed to win just 20. In 2019, for the sake of the Chief Minister's chair, he betrayed the people's mandate, Balasaheb's legacy, and the cause of Hindutva.' (ANI)