Saamana claims Shinde’s growing influence could spell trouble for Fadnavis

A day after six Lok Sabha MPs of the Shiv Sena (UBT) joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, completing the second split in the embattled Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit, the latter’s mouthpiece Saamana came out with a sarcasm laced editorial warning Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that Shinde’s “politics and arrogance” will eventually create trouble for him as a faction in Delhi has been lobbying for Shinde against him.

Saamana targets Fadnavis, Shinde

"Maharashtra has been pushed back by 25 years due to the corrupt nexus between Shinde and (Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Devendra) Fadnavis. The state's prestige has been dragged through the mud," stated the editorial.

Also Read: Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs join Eknath Shinde camp in major blow to Uddhav Thackeray

"Shinde's politics and an arrogance born of wealth will eventually land Fadnavis in trouble too… as it has become evident a faction in Delhi is openly backing him against Fadnavis. But, ignoring issues facing Maharashtra, Fadnavis speaks about Shinde's 'delivery' and distributes sweets,” it added as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

‘Operation Tiger’ allegations

Mocking Shinde’s act of allegedly engineering the latest split in the Shiv Sena (UBT), the editorial said that the Deputy Chief Minister has “delivered” and “produced” six MPs. It further alleged that the six MPs’ act of jumping ships to the Shinde faction was executed by spending a whopping Rs 500 crore.

Also Read: At 60, Shiv Sena battles its biggest survival crisis; will the tiger roar again?

"Yes, he has 'delivered'… he produced six traitors. This delivery was no ordinary one… at least Rs 500 crore was spent to ensure its success," stated the editorial, hinting at the alleged 'Operation Tiger', a month-long operation executed by the Shinde faction to engineer the latest split in the Shiv Sena (UBT).

Charges over governance, NEET leak

"Betrayal has become Maharashtra's new identity…" stated the editorial.

It further alleged that instead of addressing the infrastructure issues, including water scarcity in Mumbai, large amounts were being spent on “photo sessions” for the six MPs.

Also Read: Operation Tiger buzz: Why Uddhav's Sena is bracing for tough days | Capital Beat

"Water reserves in the seven dams supplying Mumbai have dropped to just 8.5 per cent. Reserves in other parts have also dried up. Water cuts have already begun. The people are already parched, but money is being lavished on 'photo-sessions' for the six traitors and to trumpet news of Shinde's 'delivery,'" stated the editorial.

"The issue of the NEET paper leak is also a major concern. The epicentre of the leak is in Maharashtra, and the individuals arrested belong to the BJP," the Saamana alleged, "Maharashtra BJP has played with the future of the youth. The opposition ought to bring the Assembly proceedings to a halt over this issue, demanding accountability,” it added.

Shinde hints at more crossovers

Shinde on Monday hinted that more political developments could be on the horizon, stating, “explosions after explosions will continue to happen. For the last four years, we have only been creating political shocks."

Suggesting that the latest crossover may not be the last, he added, "Yeh to bas Trailer hai; picture abhi baaki hai" (the main story is yet to unfold).

The six MPs Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar formally joined the Shinde faction, taking the party's strength in the Lok Sabha from seven to 13.

Speaking to reporters, Shinde also joked about the day's developments, saying, “And tell me, wasn't today enough for you (journalists)? Two major news stories, both national headlines, how many do you want in a single day?”