Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 21: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde has issued a strong warning to his political opponents and allies, asserting that he should not be underestimated. Reflecting on his political journey and the 2022 rebellion that reshaped the state’s leadership, Shinde reminded everyone of his deep allegiance to Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and his mentor Anand Dighe.

"I have said this before—those who took me lightly… I am not just any worker, but a disciple of Balasaheb and Dighe Saheb. Everyone should remember that," Shinde told reporters. "When they underestimated me, I overturned the government in 2022 and formed a government that truly represents the people's mandate."

Shinde's rebellion led to a major split in the Shiv Sena, with a majority of MLAs backing him, causing the collapse of Uddhav Thackeray’s government. His alliance with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis strengthened their position in the state. "I had said in my first Assembly speech that Fadnavis and I would win over 200 seats, and we got 232. So, let this be a message to those who need to understand it," he added.

At a press conference in Nagpur, Shinde criticized the Shiv Sena-UBT faction, stating that leaders who abandoned Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology were rejected by the people in the elections. "Shiv Sena remains the true carrier of Balasaheb’s and Anand Dighe’s legacy, which is why leaders and workers from various parties are joining us," he asserted.

Addressing a recent threat email he received, Shinde said he remained unfazed. "When Anand Dighe was there, dance bars were shut down despite threats. As guardian minister of Gadchiroli, I faced Maoist threats, but the police curbed the LWE menace. I am not afraid—I stand strong," he declared.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have arrested two suspects—Mangesh Achyutrao Wayal (35) and Abhay Gajanan Shingane (22) from Buldhana—in connection with the threat email. Investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the threat.