Maharashtra politics has entered a fresh phase of confrontation as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray locked horns over Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with allegations linked to a drug manufacturing case triggering a sharp war of words.
The political temperature rose after Thackeray made a cryptic remark suggesting that “one more minister will have to step down,” hinting that the leader concerned was from Thane. Though no name was taken, the comment was widely read as a direct attack on Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, intensifying pressure from the opposition.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have stepped up their demand for Shinde’s resignation following claims that his brother, Prakash Shinde, was connected to a drug manufacturing unit recently unearthed by Mumbai Police in Satara district. Prakash Shinde has categorically rejected the allegations, asserting that he has no involvement in any illegal activity.
Coming out strongly in defence of his ally, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the charges as politically driven. “There is a deliberate attempt to drag Eknath Shinde and his family into a criminal case to tarnish his image. This is nothing but politics of defamation,” Fadnavis said, adding that misleading narratives were being pushed without facts.
Holding the home portfolio, Fadnavis assured that investigating agencies would act strictly on evidence. He said the law would take its course and anyone found guilty would face action, but warned against trial by accusation. “No one will be protected if wrongdoing is proven, but no one will be targeted without proof either,” he asserted.
Earlier, Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare alleged that a resort owned by Shinde’s brother in Sawari village was indirectly linked to the drug operation, claiming it had supplied food to a nearby temporary setup where drugs were allegedly produced. The ruling alliance has dismissed these claims as speculative.
The issue has now moved beyond state politics. MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) have approached Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking central intervention and a detailed probe into the allegations involving the Deputy Chief Minister.
