Uddhav Thackeray under Rahul Gandhi's influence, strayed from Balasaheb’s ideology: Eknath Shinde

Mumbai: Amid the stand of between Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress-led opposition over the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led party of operating under the influence of Rahul Gandhi.

“The Shiv Sena (UBT) has strayed from Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology and is now operating under Rahul Gandhi’s influence,” Shinde told reporters in Mumbai.

“The true faces of those engaging in vote-bank politics for Muslim votes have been exposed through their stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill,” he said.

Shinde questioned the shifting stance of Shiv Sena (UBT), particularly their claim that the Waqf Amendment Bill is “unrelated” to Hindutva.

“Their position raises serious concerns. The real question is—will they uphold Balasaheb’s ideals or merely follow Rahul Gandhi’s instructions?” he asked.

“We have never indulged in opportunistic politics for votes. Our commitment remains firm to the ideology of Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray and Dharmaveer Anand Dighe. We have never compromised our principles for power,” the Deputy CM said.

Shinde stressed that instead of keeping Waqf Board properties under the control of a select few, they should be used for building schools and hospitals to benefit underprivileged Muslims.

“This bill is in the best interest of the Muslim community. It paves the way for their holistic development, and I urge the community to support it,” he said

“Maharashtra follows the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is moving forward with the same principles. There is no place here for those who glorify Aurangzeb,” he said.