THANE: Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde condemned UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray’s recent comment seeking validation from Pakistan about the ‘real’ Shiv Sena and called it unfortunate for the state and the country.
"It is indeed shameful that they (Thackeray) feel the need for getting certification from Pakistan to prove if their Sena was the real one or not. There cannot be anything more unfortunate than such a comment made by him and it must have indeed hurt Balasaheb a lot more. Isn't it surprising that they (MVA) take action on those who chant Hanuman Chalisa, but support those who have had associations with Dawood (Ibrahim)," said Shinde while speaking at an event, Sunday late.
In a rare instance of Shinde openly dealing a sharp blow on the Thackerays, the chief minister chided his former party boss for his frequent dare on displaying "mardangi" (masculinity).
"They have to talk about being a man and displaying their masculinity frequently. What is the need for them to speak so much about it (masculinity)? Do they have any doubt about theirs?" he said.
Hitting at the MVA, he said they are jealous of his popularity and public association and said he wasn’t worried of their opposition till the time he has the support of his junta who he considers his tonic and inspiration.
"Even 24 hours seem to be too less for me to work," he said.
Meanwhile, speaking at a different venue, Shinde said his government was working towards linking all the metro lines within Mumbai to provide a seamless travel for residents. “Commuters wanting to travel to and from any corner of the metropolitan region will not have to step out of the metro corridor at all in the coming two years,” he said while promising to improve the water scarcity being faced in his own city.
He also repeated how last year’s rebellion was a step in the right direction. “I never did anything to get the chief minister’s seat. Till today, I consider myself as a common party worker and haven’t let the air of power enter my head. My feet are still on the ground,” he clarified.
