‘Part-time politics won't work in Maharashtra': Milind Deora slams Thackeray family over vacationing abroad during crisis
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora criticised the Thackeray family and accused them of acting like 'tourists in their own country' and failing to show genuine concern following the recent terrorist attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Deora noted that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his diplomatic visit and returned to the country immediately after the incident, the Thackeray family—referring to the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction—continued their foreign vacation.
On the other hand, praising Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his swift response, he said, 'following the Pahalgam attack, Eknath Shinde immediately travelled to Srinagar, ensured the safe return of stranded tourists, and personally met with them to offer reassurance. Thanks to his efforts, more than 500 tourists from Maharashtra were safely brought back. In stark contrast, the Thackeray family reportedly holidayed in Europe during this crucial time.'
Deora criticised the UBT leadership for their lack of personal outreach and said, 'instead of meeting the families of those who lost their lives, they limited themselves to social media posts. Their absence during such a tragic moment is deeply disappointing.'
He further added, 'While the nation mourned the loss of innocent lives, the UBT faction—who claim to be the true heirs of Maharashtra's legacy—remained abroad for over two weeks. Not a single MP from their party attended the all-party meeting called by the Centre. They didn't even pay tribute to Maharashtra's 106 martyrs on May 1—not even with a symbolic tweet.'
'It is Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena 's chief leader and Deputy Chief Minister, who is truly upholding the legacy of Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray. This tourist-style, part-time politics—where leaders fly in for photo ops and disappear again—will no longer be tolerated. Prime Minister Modi has already ended such politics in Delhi and Maharashtra is doing the same,' he said.
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