Amid Thackeray-Fadnavis meetings, Shinde drops in a reality check
'We are the witness to how Devendra ji was abused. The people had voted (in 2019) for Shiv Sena and BJP. But you backstabbed Devendra ji. I know how many calls Devendra ji made after the results, but those were never answered.
Everyone has to pay for their deeds here itself,' said Shinde. He was speaking at the legislative council while replying to the discussion on last week motion moved by the Opposition.
Shinde's stress on Thackeray damaging Fadnavis's prospects comes at a time when the other two were seen exchanging cordial greetings. On Wednesday, Fadnavis offered former ally and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray to join the Mahayuti while on Thursday both the leaders spent nearly 20 minutes chatting behind closed doors without the presence of any other leader.
Shinde went on to claim that while Fadnavis had given away the Mumbai mayor post to Shiv Sena in 2017, Thackeray paid him back with betrayal. 'Devendra ji was challenged (by Thackeray) by saying either it will be you or me. It was then that I decided to act…even Devendra ji would be smiling now seeing the present developments,' he added, referring to the recent meetings between the two.
The Deputy CM claimed that Thackeray hated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and therefore did not attend the programme where PM Modi was conferred with first Lata Mangeshkar award. 'I don't mess with people, but I do not leave those who mess with me,' he said.
Uddhav had termed the MNS as a party which is over during one of the poll campaigns. Referring to this, Shinde took a dig on the possible alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) saying now some (Uddhav) are desperate to go with those whom they once called as finished.
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