CM Shinde attacks Uddhav over challenge to Fadnavis; takes jibe about strength

PTI, Aug 1, 2024, 4:20 PM IST

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday took a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray over the latter’s dare to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and said those talking of challenging others must realise if they have the strength to do so.

Thackeray on Wednesday threw down a challenge to Fadnavis saying “either you will be there, or I will”.

“Anil Deshmukh recently spoke about how Fadnavis planned to put me and (Uddhav’s son) Aaditya behind bars. After tolerating everything, I now stand with determination. Either you will be there, or I will,” Thackeray said, indicating how acrimonious the relations between the two former good friends have become.

Former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh’s recent allegations that Devendra Fadnavis had conspired against Uddhav Thackeray, Ajit Pawar and their sons during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regime continued to heat up the political temperature ahead of the assembly polls, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief launching a scathing attack on the deputy chief minister on Wednesday, saying that “either you will remain or I will.”