At the Shiv Sena (UBT) state-level workers’ meeting in Mumbai’s Worli today, Aditya Thackeray launched a sharp attack on Eknath Shinde. He remarked that while today is Father’s Day, there are some people in this state who steal others’ fathers.
He praised the Veer Jijamata Bhosale Zoo as the best museum in the country, mentioning penguins. He said, “I get trolled for being called a penguin, but everyone knows who actually walks like one.” He added that even after the government’s fall, people still want Uddhav Thackeray to be the Chief Minister.
Aditya stated that they have endured a lot and warned that when they return to power, those who caused them pain will face consequences with interest. Without naming names, he referred to Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji, who recently broke down when the ED took him in for questioning. “He isn’t like us—we made the ED cry,” he said. He also congratulated the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for standing up to the ED and PM Modi, telling them not to provoke them.
Addressing party workers, he said, “It is my fortune to have you standing shoulder-to-shoulder with me in this fight. I can never repay your support. I have nothing on paper—no party name, no party symbol—yet you are all with me.” He mentioned that the day after tomorrow marks the anniversary of “global betrayal,” referring to Eknath Shinde leaving Shiv Sena a year ago.
Uddhav Thackeray, speaking at the event, said, “You are playing manipulative politics by entering our home.” He suggested that what Tamil Nadu CM Stalin hinted at could now be implemented in Maharashtra. He challenged, “If you have the courage, send the ED and CBI to Manipur. Modi is going to America but not Manipur.” He dismissed claims that PM Modi stopped the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it empty boasting, and dared him to visit Manipur instead.
On the removal of Savarkar’s chapter from Karnataka’s syllabus, Uddhav said they oppose it. He added, “I would tell Fadnavis: if you truly love Savarkar, expel the leaders trying to seize control of the country.” He criticized Amit Shah for questioning him but staying silent on Adani.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut mocked Eknath Shinde, saying, “On my way here this morning, I saw banners on the Sea Link saying, ‘The lion has gone to Goregaon.’ The truth is, wolves in lion’s skin are heading to Goregaon.”
Veer Jijamata Bhosale Zoo
Veer Jijamata Bhosale Zoo, also known as Rajiv Gandhi Zoo, is a popular zoological park located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Established in 1999, it is named after Jijabai Bhosale, the mother of the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The zoo spans over 130 acres and houses a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and exotic birds, while also promoting conservation and education.
Shiv Sena (UBT)
Shiv Sena (UBT), or Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), is a faction of the original Shiv Sena, a right-wing Hindu nationalist political party founded in 1966 by Bal Thackeray in Maharashtra, India. The faction emerged in 2022 after a split within the party, led by Uddhav Thackeray (Bal Thackeray’s son), following ideological and leadership disputes with another faction aligned with Eknath Shinde. Shiv Sena (UBT) continues to advocate for Marathi pride and Hindutva but with a more moderate stance compared to its rival faction.
Worli
Worli is a historic neighborhood in Mumbai, India, known for its iconic Worli Fort, built by the British in the 17th century for coastal defense. The area is also famous for the Worli Sea Link, a modern engineering marvel connecting central Mumbai to the western suburbs. With a rich fishing community and a mix of traditional Koli culture and urban development, Worli reflects Mumbai’s vibrant past and present.
Mumbai
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is India’s financial and entertainment capital, located on the west coast of the country. It was originally a group of fishing villages that grew into a major port under British colonial rule, becoming a key hub for trade and commerce. Today, Mumbai is famous for landmarks like the Gateway of India, Bollywood, and its vibrant mix of cultures, cuisines, and colonial-era architecture.
Sea Link
The **Sea Link**, officially known as the **Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link**, is a 5.6-kilometer-long cable-stayed bridge in Mumbai, India, connecting Bandra to Worli. Opened in 2009, it was designed to ease traffic congestion and is one of India’s most iconic modern infrastructure projects. The bridge spans the Arabian Sea and is celebrated for its striking architectural design and engineering prowess.
Goregaon
Goregaon is a suburban neighborhood located in Mumbai, India, known for its mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment hubs, including the popular Film City complex where many Bollywood productions are filmed. Historically, it was a quiet village before rapid urbanization integrated it into Greater Mumbai. Today, it is a bustling area with shopping malls, green spaces like the Aarey Forest, and cultural landmarks such as the ISKCON temple.
Savarkar
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966) was an Indian independence activist, politician, and writer, best known for his nationalist ideology of *Hindutva* (“Hindu-ness”). A controversial figure, he was imprisoned by the British for his revolutionary activities and later associated with Hindu nationalist organizations. While not a physical site, his legacy is honored by some through memorials, including the *Savarkar Sadan* in Mumbai, and remains influential in Indian politics.
Manipur
Manipur, a northeastern Indian state, is known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and vibrant traditions. Historically, it was an ancient princely state with a unique history, including the Manipuri Kingdom and its classical dance form, *Ras Leela*, inspired by Hindu mythology. The state is also famous for the Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and its role in World War II as a battleground during the Burma Campaign.
