THANE: Ahead of the Andheri assembly seat bypolls in Maharashtra, the Eknath Shinde faction — of the Shiv Sena — has accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led group of relying on legacy and sympathy votes instead of talking about developmental works.
A day after the Thackeray-led group submitted a letter to the Election Commission alleging bias towards the Shinde faction, Naresh Mhaske — former Thane mayor and spokesperson for the Shinde group — released a digital statement wherein he dismissed the same and claimed they (Thackeray) had no other topics to fight elections and are so banking only on blame games and seeking sympathy.
“They (Thackeray) had sought the torch symbol and temporary name for their party from the EC and had announced the same on social media also and started celebrations. Surprisingly, after three days, they are now alleging foul play which reflects that they have nothing else to fight on except playing the sympathy card and banking on their legacy. The kind of work you do is more important when fighting such polls,” said Mhaske.
Slamming the complaints made by the Thackeray group, Mhaske repeated Shinde’s stance that injustice was done on their group.
“We are the real claimants for the party symbol and name and have over 80% support of leaders and workers. On the other hand, they are resorting to forging support which was recently seen in Mumbai. We appeal to them to fight out a fair war based on works done. These crocodile tears won’t help,” said Mhaske.
When contacted, Kedar Dighe, district president at Thane Shiv Sena, defended the Thackeray group.
“If it was only sympathy, it would not have lasted long but those making allegations must also remember dedication and loyalty is what bind a party and its people together. It seems it has become a norm for them (Shinde faction) to comment and criticize everything. But they must realise that the common man is watching everything,” he said.
